What the hell is wrong with people? I can't believe these guys didn't get signed based on the strengths of their last release, and here they are self-releasing another set of solid songs blending post-hardcore rhythms and melodies with caustic guitar textures and quirky layers of dissonance. This time around the writing is perhaps slightly more jarring and complex, with more changes and fluctuations between time signatures and subtly jazzy influences working their way into some of the drum fills and smoother clean breaks. This is a lot more unique as a whole, though. I'm not really reminded of anything, though a lot of the weird riffing in "Crosswalks & Crutchs" sounds like Clockhammer (not that anyone reading this likely knows who that band is, but you should), and every now and then I still hear a teensy little Burn influence breaking through. Fans of some of the Hydra Head bands like Craw and stuff would probably be into this, I think. The recording is loud and bright, I didn't think I'd change much. The rhythm section sounds good, the guitar distortion is great for what they're doing, and I like the placement of the vocals (which are basically just yelled to varying degrees of extremity). Perhaps the only thing I'd do would be to give the bass more of a role in the center of the mix between the guitars and drums, since the rhythm section is really important to the foundation of these compositions. The CD-R comes in a small black and white sleeve with minimal text and imagery, but it looks fine. The band states on the back cover that the "packaging and generic CD-R" are the "result of poverty", but it still looks better than most self-released demo types of efforts. I wouldn't mind seeing lyrics, but that's life. I am indeed pissed off at the severe injustice that has been perpetrated against The Unlucky Few. It's no secret that I think most record labels have their heads up their asses, so I can only hope that someone decides to pop out of the poop chute and wake the fuck up for a few minutes, because a lot of bands that blow ass compared to this are getting signed left and right. Your band may have a record deal, but you're not as cool as The Unlucky Few, so fuck off.
[self-released]
Running time - 11:37, Tracks: 4
[Notable tracks: Cigarettes and Ice Chips (Every Model's Favorite Diet), Winona Stole My Heart and Then My Wallet, and the other two as well...]
The Unlucky Few - http://www.theunluckyfew.com
