Vicious Cycle
Pale Blue Dot
One of the reasons that we like to
review older albums periodically on Lost Tribe is because we are of
the belief that just because something is new doesn't mean that it's
better or that it's even worth discussing. Similarly, just because
an album is a couple years old doesn't mean that it should be
permanently shelved or forgotten about the second a newer shinier
record passes in front of our eyes.
As a result, you are now reading an
album that came out over 3 years ago, but (in my humble opinion) is
still worth discussing, praising, and reminding others about. Pale
Blue Dot was my introduction to Vicious Cycle, and they had me
from the first note. Sounding like a stripped-down Fucked Up or even
some unholy bastard child of proto-punk and 80s hardcore, these
Sudbury natives helped solidify the reputation of Ontario hardcore as
a hot bed of intensity and innovation in hardcore.
First off, I recognize that this album
was talked about a lot in 2009 when it was released (but it still
deserves more credit in 2012), and also just how impressive it is
that a band from Sudbury (aka a central Ontario, Canada cultural
wasteland/small, dirty city) still managed to garner as much hype and
acclaim as they have. The reason for all of this is the music. It
stands by itself as some of the catchiest, rawest hardcore punk being
put out these days. The lyrics are bleak but ultimately hopeful, the
riffs hit you hard, and the rhythm section helps ensure that there
isn't a slow minute to be found. All in all, you should stop reading
this review and begin listening to this album immediately.
Specifically, “Blur”, “Black
Dot”, and “Pale Blue Dot” leave me fucking speechless every
time I hear them...which is quite a feat if you are at all familiar
with the Lost Tribe podcast. So rather than searching the internet
for some early-2013 release to leak, why not go back and revel in the
greatness that is Vicious Cycle for a little while. Kick up your
feet, tell everyone to fuck right off for 21 minutes, and enjoy an
album that reminds me why I started listening to hardcore in the
first place. Also, guest vocals by Damien from Fucked Up and that
dude from Alexisonfire!
Or don't. It's just a suggestion. I'm
not your mother.
Buy it here.
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