Razor Crusade "Infinite Water" CD
[Reflections]
More post-hardcore from The Netherlands, this time in 12 short tracks that keep things moving nicely with a lot of emphasis on the rhythm section and a more diverse approach than the band's past work. For the most part the tracks are thick and rhythmic, blending slightly jarring chords and textures with a bit of dissonant melody and solid grooves (in a tasteful manner), fronted by dry shouting/screaming vocals also contrasted by the appearance of singing. "Europeanly Adorable" is a bit more rocked out in tempo and uses some strange flanging effects over the guitars and portions of the vocals, but the slower and more emo "I Wish You Were Me" is by far the most exceptional track herein - dominated by singing vocals and droning guitar lines that let the bass really take hold. "You Should Be Lucky" is similarly focused around singing vocals with a really catchy chorus that kicks some slick vocal harmonies, though structurally it's more straightforward. "Sinking With Venice", while more on the angular side, continues the latter half of the record's more melodic slant with some nice layered rhythms that get a bit heavier at times, still layering in melodies and little quirks. The spoken vocals in the odd title track are actually sort of irritating and out of place in the context of the rest of the tracks. The record definitely takes a gradual turn from start to finish, which is curious to say the least. The production is really good, nice and natural, crystal clear, forceful, etc. My only minor complaint in this regard is that I don't like some of the effects they drench a few of the guitar parts in, they're just distracting and serve little purpose. But all of the other tones, especially the drums, are just fucking great. It's a professional sounding record that still has a bit of an edge, it's not totally polished at all, but you can really make out the subtle nuances. The layout looks absolutely great here. The disc is housed in a brightly colored slip sleeve, and all of the actual printing is done on matte paper with faint colors for a very clean and consistent look. There are a mix of abstract textures and photographs alongside the interestingly arranged lyrics, which are all personal but open: "There's water in every hole, We're sinking, Burn my conscience, Drowning in this hollow heart, Have we replaced integrity for empty art, The time has come for our collision." I can still hear similarities to bands like Boy Sets Fire and Quicksand ("Manic Compression", not the first record), but they're definitely branching out a bit on this one. I'm still a fan, too. Good work. (7/10)
Running time - 32:59, Tracks: 12
[Notable tracks: I Wish You Were Me, You Should Be Lucky, Sinking With Venice]
Reflections Records - http://www.reflectionsrecords.com

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