photo by Jammi Yorke
In less than two weeks, New York hardcore legion, MANIPULATE, will drop their Becoming Madness EP upon the ears of the masses. The record was captured during the Summer of 2015 by Jeff “Stress” Davis at Chopshop Studios with vocals recorded by John Grant at Madhouse NYC, mixed by Taylor Young at The Pit Studios, and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.
In advance of its release today Invisible Oranges unchains the sonic punishment of second cut, “Beaten Path,” at THIS LOCATION.
You can also sample “Slip Away,” still streaming at Revolver Magazine at THIS LOCATION as well as “Manipulate,” monopolizing the airwaves of No Clean Singing RIGHT HERE.
Describes No Clean Singing of debut single “Manipulate,” “The song’s bleak opening riff, its massive follow-on chugs, and the seething lead guitar that rears its head seem to point in one direction – and then the song erupts in a burst of NYHC brutality. With dynamic pacing and incensed vocals, it’s a potent piece of music. Selfishly, I wish it were longer, but if it were I’d probably feel like busting up the furniture. Fortunately, there are five more tracks where this came from.” Adds Sea Of Tranquility in a recent 4/5 review, “Hatred, drugs, racism – all these themes show up here and are depicted in one way or another on the cover art. This is punk rock with a conscience, but it’s not a whiny conscience. No, this is the righteous indignation of punk rock, the mood that drives bands to point to human madness and to yell ‘stop it!’ …Better still, the music on this release doesn’t come across as preachy or annoying. Instead, it explores its ideas within the context of fast and aggressive punk metal, one of the best styles for working out aggressive feelings toward human madness. This is a solid new release from a band that carries the torch of such luminaries as D. R. I. and others.”
From the metal side of the equation, MANIPULATE offers up dark, crunchy, menacing riffs coupled with a complete lack of regard for anyone’s hurt feelings. From the hardcore end: no-holds-barred energy and intensity with a critical socio-political point-of-view only the naive would disregard. As a whole, MANIPULATE‘s Becoming Madness EP presents an explicit look at the human condition divided into equal parts anger, cynicism and concern yet labeling the band “positive hardcore” would be grossly inappropriate. There is little positivity to be found when those around you are dying as a result of their own actions. Nor is there an ounce of honor amongst those who choose to waste their own time on earth, as well as the time of others. Equally disenchanting are the ones whose disregard for friends and family overpowers that of love and loyalty. Becoming Madness’ end product is a pummeling soundscape of furious and precise metallic hardcore outbursts sonically equal to its scathing lyrical observations. Forget trying to figure out how to label it. That’s old news. MANIPULATE will carry the torch from here.
Becoming Madness will be released on February 12th via Flatspot Records in a limited run of 500 seven-inches in two color variations – 350 black and 150 gold/black – and digitally. For physical preorders go to THIS LOCATION. Digital devourers go HERE.
For further info on MANIPULATE contact liz@earsplitcompound.com.
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