Activator “Unfortunate Lovely”

The "Unfortunate Lovely" EP from New York's Activator was recorded a few years ago and originally slated to be released by Definitive Jux, but when that didn't work out it was eventually released digitally by Afro-Punk instead. What I love about Activator is that here in the early-2010's they remind me of the type of band that I would've heard on some completely random hardcore compilation in the 90's and flipped out over. In fact, if you told me this stuff was recorded in 1998 or something I would absolutely believe it, because the production has a raw, live-in-the-studio type of sound to it that totally reminds me of those days as well. The core of their approach is something of a metallic hardcore base with lots of uniquely melodic riffing and great vocal patterns that really work some energy into the songwriting, but then you'll also spot some totally unexpected death metal riffs, awesome solos, etc.—so there's definitely a lot going on here. There are little bits and pieces that feel familiar, but I sure as hell can't think of any bands that sound like this, and that's an excellent trait to achieve, especially in this day and age. Stream the entire EP below via Bandcamp and hopefully you'll pick up on what I'm talking about:

The band is preparing to record a full-length now, and I certainly look forward to hearing it. In the meantime, the EP is available as a free download, so check it out and keep your eyes out for more down the road:

[DOWNLOAD] Activator "Unfortunate Lovely" (@ Bandcamp)