SELF-RELEASED
This was released a while ago now, but things being what they are in Anger Burning, it’s taken this long to get around to reviewing it. Frenetix recorded 8 songs with their new line-up (with Joe from Constant Fear now on vocal duties) and chose 4 songs plus an intro track from that session to include here (the other 4 being released as part of a three-way split with Decontrol and Anord -also to be reviewed soon).
So – onto the review itself then…
Constant Fear – Media Loves a Revolution
The opener “Millions will Die for Billions in Arms Deals” has a gentle start which quickly segues into a raucus ditty that certainly raise the roof when played live. Something different with the next song “Internal Darkness” that has a crunching verse and a forlorn chorus. The title track is very reminiscent of Conflict to me, uplifting and getting the listener angry with every word that is angrily spat out over the music. The closer, “Unforgiveable”, starts up with a galloping drum intro and guitars matching pace – it’s punctuated with a sing-along chorus accentuated by female vocal backing which fits really well. All in all, a great release from the Constant Fear camp.
Frenetix – Extinction
It’s been a while since their first offering and the band have made lineup as well as sound changes, which have changed the style a lot. The intro track, simply entitled “Intro” is more of an instrumental overlayed on monologue, stating the effects of pollution, climate change and animal extinction as a direct result of man’s folly. The songs “proper” start with the title track which has a real crusty crunch to it. Joe’s vocals differ from his Constant Fear style, delivering a gruffer sound which fits in with the music. Next up is “No Pasaran” which is very short, clocking in at just over a minute leaving no space to breath at all as it rages in a D-Beat vein – a sure crowd pleaser. “Original Sin” on the other hand clocks in at over 5 minutes and full of despair in an Amebix landscape, speeding up in places to break the rhythym expertly. “War Machine” closes the CD with an assault which is arguably most like their original style and has that Broken Bones/GBH vibe to it (think: Decaptiated mixed with Diplomatic Immunity).
On the whole, this is a very balanced affair and both bands are well-matched in terms of sound. No stark musical differences here at all.
Available from the bands themselves or at gigs if you manage to catch their brothers from other mothers – Subvision – playing at a town near you.
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