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Another Breath
Not Now, Not Ever
Rivalry Records
Rating: 8.5/10
Reviewer: Andrew
Reviewed: 8/9/2004
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Man, I was hooked on "Not Now, Not Ever" from the very moment "Racing A Fading Image" kicked the record into gear. Another Breath is amongst a growing herd of hardcore bands playing aggressive and melodic music, but this group of five undoubtedly holds their own. While the majority of modern hardcore bands emphasize their metallic, melodic or purely straightforward tendencies, Another Breath sounds both relevant and modern by balancing the three aforementioned leanings. "Not Now, Not Ever" is clean and surprisingly catchy, all while retaining a fiery, frustrated attitude and musical edge.
My favorite aspect of "Not Now, Not Ever" and Another Breath's music in general is the way they are able to give hardcore a modern touch without sacrificing the basics of the style. Each of the eight songs on this relatively brief record twists and turns through a number of separate parts but never does Another Breath lose touch with the song's foundation in concise and ripping hardcore. For that reason, I draw comparisons to Give Up The Ghost/American Nightmare's unforgiving fury and With Honor's tasteful, melody-laden hardcore.
While the songs are built around the standard fast, often melodic chord progressions, screamed vocals and the brisk paces set by the rhythm section (including a very well-recorded bass guitar), certain passages provide the identity and character to create songs all memorable in their own right. Whether it's the massive sing-along parts of "Pass The Torch," the climactic "Truth In The Television" or what is one of the catchiest hardcore songs I've laid ears on, "Clio," there's a healthy supply of irresistible moments. After repeated listens, they're still drawing me further into "Not Now, Not Ever."
Recorded with Kurt Ballou at his God City Studios, "Not Now, Not Ever" sounds thick and meaty. With well-phrased lyrics (and much appreciated descriptions in the liner notes) regarding personal issues and decisions, as well as some more socially-oriented words rounding out each song, this album has most everything I look for in a hardcore release; the only thing missing is another 10 minutes of music. Another Breath should appeal to all sorts of hardcore fans and as they are advancing the music without losing touch with its foundations. Very much recommended.
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