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There aren't a lot of widely known bands that one can look to for no-bullshit, aggressive hardcore. Usually there's something flashy going on, from studio effects to layers of melodies, even if it is subtle. While Paint It Black includes in their music more detail than can come from three chords and a fast rhythm, their sound is, by most standards, bullshit-free and outwardly aggressive. The band's sophomore effort, Paradise, is memorable and -- get this -- catchy at times, all while ripping and raging for most of its duration.
The 14 tracks of Paradise have bits and pieces of melody and accessible tempos scattered throughout, but Paint It Black generally keeps the pace fast, the lyrics bitter, the vocals in-your-face and the aesthetic hardcore. With tunes clocking in between one and two minutes, the band gets in, does a bunch of damage, and gets out. Despite its brevity, Paradise is chock full of enough aggressively spouted messages, quick, biting riffs and galloping drum parts to make it satisfying in that beaten-for-20-minutes way.
Paint It Black has caught some flack for further developing their songs and adding more melody and depth to a simplistic formula. While there aren't any 30-second, relentless assaults, Paradise is certainly a furious slab of hardcore punk. It's just got some infectious hints of sung vocals, catchy bass lines and, unexpectedly, an acoustic, campfire-friendly outro. The band's debut, CVA, is undoubtedly a landmark hardcore record, but seeing Paint It Black progress and challenge themselves to evolve makes Paradise seem that much more varied and distinct.
Much like Kid Dynamite and Lifetime, there's a subtle charm to Paint It Black's sound. Sure, the lyrics, while introspective, personal and intelligent, are bitter and the music is intense. But, at the same time, vocalist Dan Yemin adds a realistic sense of positivism and unity that irresistibly melts into the musical backdrop.
2005 looks to be a big year for long-time, well-known hardcore acts, and Paint It Black is obvious competition -- even for modern giants, such as Bane and Comeback Kid. Unlike the competition, though, Paint It Black doesn't touch metal and instead opts for a traditional appeal, which often brings to mind Black Flag. As such, Paradise is an essential listen for hardcore fans, especially those with a background in punk rock. This album ultimately bubbles with heart, enthusiasm and urgency, and that, in my mind, outweighs what some might see as a lack of innovation. Great stuff.
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