Skip to content
Debut 7" from this rad hardcore band out of Philadelphia. Maybe it's the heavy chorus effect on the guitar or maybe it's the fact that they're from Philly, but Blank Spell remind me quite a lot of Sorry State favorites Sickoids. In addition to those two common characteristics, Blank Spell also have those really interesting, quick rhythmic changes that are such a big part of the Sickoids sound. Additionally, while the main vocalist is a woman she seems to use her vocals in a similar way to Rob from Sickoids; like his, they're really distinctive and powerful, but not really "catchy" by any conventional definition of the term. Instead, it's like the vocals are used as a supplementary rhythmic instrument that augments and accents what the drums are doing. All of these Sickoids comparisons aren't meant to imply that Blank Spell are some kind of Sickoids rip-off--they're definitely their own thing--but it does imply that if you like(d?) what Sickoids are doing, then you will most certainly like what Blank Spell is doing. If you like your hardcore DIY as hell and dense with interesting ideas definitely give this a listen. The packaging on this is also really nice, with some really cool illustrations and lettering on the front and back and a big fold-out poster insert that follows a similar aesthetic. Definitely recommended listening.