Quick Reviews: Dead Weight, Venia, Cursebreaker

The Age of I
by Dead Weight
Mind Melt Enterprises

Based out of Seattle and featuring former and current members of such bands as Champion, Sinking Ships, and Sojourner; Dead Weight presents their debut demo The Age of I. Clocking in at just over 10 minutes in length, Dead Weight delivers 5 songs of stout and punchy hardcore with a distinct mid-late 80's NYHC flavor. Although tracks like The Age of I, Wolf, and Get Real are reminiscent of and comparable to the likes of Sick of it All, Alone in a Crowd, and Straight Ahead, Dead Weight does an amiable job of keeping the material fresh, interesting, and confrontational. The Age of I was recently limitedly released on cassette via Mind Melt Ent.

MP3:
Wolf

deadweightnw.bandcamp.com
--
I've Lost All Faith In Myself
by Venia
Blood & Ink Records

Following up their 2009 release of Frozen Hands, Minnesota's Venia returns with the punishing & heavy EP I've Lost All Faith in Myself. Although it may not be a huge departure from Frozen Hands, I've Lost... shows the band progressing past simple and somewhat formulaic hardcore to incorporate crunchy, off-time rhythms and catchy lead guitar work. While tracks like Crux and Numbers Game have legitimately crushing parts, backed with thrashing metallic guitar work and a fresh vocal delivery, the remainder of the 5 song EP tends to lull and feel somewhat dated & redundant. I've Lost... may not be the strongest it could be throughout its runtime, but it's still a promising look into Venia's future material.

MP3:
Crux

myspace.com/veniamusic
--
The Black Banners
by Cursebreaker
Independent Release

Cursebreaker are a band based out Portland, OR and yet another group embracing the dark, crust-influenced hardcore sound which has become so popular in the last few years. Presenting The Black Banners, Cursebreaker offers up 8 fresh and catchy songs of driving hardcore reminiscent of bands like Lewd Acts, Pressvre, and All Teeth, with plenty of dirty and moody d-beat & punk rock overtones to bring it all together. Cursebreaker have made an honest and sincere effort, but at times The Black Banners feels like it lacks a sense of musical direction. Decide for yourself by heading over to their Bandcamp for a full album stream & download.

MP3:
Born of Night

cursebreaker.bandcamp.com