Quick Reviews: Harm's Way, United Nations, Daylight

No Gods, No Masters
by Harm's Way
Closed Casket Activities

Chicago's Harm's Way returns with their follow up to last year's Reality Approaches with No Gods, No Masters; an intimidating, 5 song EP full of crushing, metallic hardcore reminiscent of Napalm Death and Chokehold. It's music from a dark, dark place in the psyche, packaged with a caustic vocal delivery, monstrous guitar tone, and depressive sound clips. No Gods, No Masters doesn't have as many memorable or stand-out moments as Reality Approaches, but it sees the band progress to their next state of nihilistic aural assault.

MP3:
Puppet

myspace.com/harmsxway
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Never Mind the Bombings, Here's Your Six Figures
by United Nations
Deathwish Inc.

Shrouded in anonymity and confusion, United Nations follows up their 2008 self-titled debut with this 4 song EP, Never Mind the Bombings, Here's Your Six Figures. I can't say I was impressed with the band's first effort - it wasn't bad by any means, just failed to grab me - but Never Mind... brings them closer to late 90's/early 2000's post-hardcore (screamo) than ever before. It has the chaotic melody of bands like Ampere and Funeral Diner, the grinding qualities of Neil Perry, and depth of Pg.99. United Nations doesn't touch on the jazzy or math elements of the genre too much, but it's a poignant, albeit nostalgic listen.

MP3:
O You Bright & Risen Angels

unitedfuckingnations.com
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Dispirit
by Daylight
Six Feet Under Records

Daylight has been building momentum since their self-released demo last year, and rightfully so. This Doylestown, PA quartet plays a brand of post-punk with heavily melodic overtones & emotive delivery, and a small amount of pop-punk & hardcore sensibilities. Dispirit is the bands second proper release, offering up three new tracks of head-nodding, foot-stamping, gut-wrenching punk reminiscent of early material from the likes of Small Brown Bike, Hot Water Music, Polar Bear Club, and Planes Mistaken for Stars. Though Daylight may not have the most original sound, they've got a fresh and energized approach backed with a sense of sincerity.

MP3:
Youth No More

myspace.com/daylightpa