Cracks In The Wall - s/t - 7"

You got to admire the fact that besides starting a career as a soccerhooligan for Roda, updating the Asice show section, becoming one of the best new tattooists in The Netherlands and growing hair the four members of Cracks In The Wall found the time to tour Eastern Europe, the UK and play some really great shows in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. On top of that they even managed to release a new seven song 7" that shows they've grown a lot musically the past year.

Recorded in a day this 7" gives that on stage feeling that lots of records nowadays lack. Overproducing can kill a good record and Cracks In The Wall show that to release an ep of fast songs doesn't mean you have to sit in a recording facility for weeks. One day is enough to get the job done right.

Opening song 'State of Distress' is a prime example of how much the band has grown as musicians. Before joining the band I don't think drummer Willem ever sat behind a drumkit. Years later this song proves he drums as fast and solid as any band in the genre can hope for.

The new self titled 7" is more balanced than the previous endeavour, the sloppyness that was a charm on that one is gone and traded for a tight and gritty sound. To me it reminded me a bit of the 'All My Heroes Are Dead' sound of Amendment 18 (how good is that record) though I'm probably far off since both bands don't really have a lot in common. Yet the feeling of the songs is somewhat the same.

The songs 'See Through You' and 'Rot Away' combine Black Flag guitarparts with the rage of Negative Approach, and should be able to set anyone into fast eighties hardcore on fire.

With songs these good and live performances to match it up it really is time to give these guys some more recognition. They are one of the best fast hardcore bands in The Netherlands and deserve a spot next to Citizens Patrol and Reproach.

Cracks In The Wall -s/t- ep

Do you remember hardcore?
Do you remember shitty basements and worn out squats?
Do you remember being harassed by the police and chased by jocks?
Do you remember bands who got up on stage and played like they were chased by the devil?
Do you remember songs that were anti-establishment and had more to do with hate than love?
Do you remember putting real money in an envelope?
Do you remember waiting months for a package of new records to be delivered at your door?
Do you remember looking over the artwork and learning each song by heart?

Well to be honest parts of it I don't remember either. Yet Cracks In The Wall reminds me of those days. Days we mostly know about through 'American Hardcore' the book and movie.

The Netherlands have a great tradition of fast and angry hardcore. BGK, Larm, Seein Red, Citizens Patrol and now Cracks In The Wall.

Ofcourse there's always room for growth. This is their first ep. Next time I would like more of those Black Flag guitarparts and maybe a bit more backingvocals. Now I do have the feeling especially vocalwise the record just goes on like a bulldozer on speed. Yet I think the same thing about Negative Approach.

If you like your hardcore fast, no frills, no gimmicks and 80's style I suggest you pay attention to Cracks In The Wall.

(If you think I'm biased because my best friend plays in the band, you might be right. Just go and check for yourself.)

Oh I've got a testpress that was only sold at the releaseshow number 35 of 40 for those who care.

Cracks In The Wall -s/t- ep back
Originally uploaded by xroldx

Myspace: Cracks In The Wall