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Debut release from this new Minneapolis hardcore punk band. A group of long time mad punks from such bands as Zero, Frustration, Geiger Counter, Kontrasekt, etc. Described by Drew Ailes as a “American Paintbox”… 7 tracks pro dubbed cassette.
Our take: Before I heard Minneapolis’s Detractors I saw them described as an “American Paintbox,” which had me intrigued. It’s hard not to see the resemblance, as Detractors also marry a classic Japanese hardcore style with elements of melodic, west coast-style hardcore, edging almost uncomfortably close to the more ripping and shredding end of the Fat Wreck spectrum. Aside from the weird vocal thing that introduces “Crickets,” you won’t find any of Paintbox’s zaniness, though; consequently, the overall vibe of these six tracks reminds me more of Forward’s catchiest material (like, say, the Fucked Up album) with a big helping of Chelsea-style shredding added in for good measure. While it’s unfair to evaluate this tape based on how much it sounds or does not sound like Paintbox, there isn’t much else out there with a similar combination of heaviness and melody. As with Paintbox when they were around, that combination might alienate less open-minded listeners, but I’m loving the big production, adventurous songwriting, and powerful, almost virtuosic playing.