with
Bars
by Mark Hensch

The recently formed group Bars is the result of some bad luck and interesting circumstance. Begun in late 2002, the band was a mix of several prominent band members from various acts, most notable among them Give Up The Ghost and The Hope Conspiracy. The outfit was formed to revive the (in the band member's opinions) classic style of hardcore punk from the 80's. Things took an interesting turn for the members from Give Up The Ghost when that outfit recently collapsed and ceased to exist. They have some solace however as GUTG's former label, Equal Vision records, signed Bars and helped put out the band's debut, Introducing...

The Bars goal of resurrecting classic hardcore is largely met. The vocals are constantly screamed by frontman Kevin Baker, yet oddly clear and concise. In modern terms, I can only compare them to bands like say Red Tape. Black Flag is probably another prominent influence, and it is also interesting to note there is a mild alternative rock undertone to this disc.

Intro track "Bright Lights for Demise" sparks off with the bouncy yet muddy punk riffs that will become trademark of Bars most likely; this odd "refried southern" rock/punk combo is oddly interesting, and when the song slaps you upside the ears with a weird little solo you know that there is something interesting here. "Like It Never Was" has an even punkier feel to it if possible, and things are barely allowed to settle down before "You are my Target Audience," a highlight track to be sure, rocks in with some angry punk. "Up to my Neck" rolls in with some jamming riffs and rolling bass, and "Toecutter" pounds in with slowly growing guitars that are soon hit into overdrive for another great track.

"The Frequencies are F*cked" is a feedback laden rocker that shows some interesting vocals from Baker. "Type The Love Letter" is a swinging uppercut of a song that will knock you silly before the good 'ole "Oh-oh-ohhhh" choruses of yesteryear. "I was Asleep by Now" is a quick and sadly complacent rocker, but the genius "Too Far Down" suprises everybody with an insanely laid-back, dirty, and muddy little ballad owning very little of its musical background to punk or hardcore. "This is It" sums things up nicely with an explosive bang to a short, to-the-point, full-throttle album.

This is an album that won't change anyone's opinions on what hardcore should or should not sound like, and beyond that, it is shorter then my attention span during an Avril album, which in my humble opinion isn't a plus. A good debut for a fairly new band, but the real trick is making a longer album next time that is still as good. Purists of 80's core will probably lambast me in this point because so many of the old classic hardcore acts bashed faces with fantastically quick albums, but at a miniscule 27 minutes long, I could be listening to one Meshuggah song that is every bit as good as this entire CD. Don't get me wrong, I love this stuff but it is only for people who can appreciate it wholly and wouldn't mind spending ten bucks on what will probably be an oddity or novelty album, a sort of loss flashback to previously extinct genres.

If you aren't one of those people, this CD isn't for you. If you're like me, and you are, this will make a good CD to listen to as you are driving to someplace not that far away; this CD's credit is that it makes you hear the Bars encasing our lives rather then seeing them and feeling trapped. It other words, its carefree and rocking music perfect for a day with everything going just right, and if you already like classic hardcore to boot.
 
 

Bars - Introducing
Label: Equal Vision
Rating: 
 

Listen to Samples and Purchase This CD online

Visit the official website for more on the band and their new CD!