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FC FiVE - Come to the End |
 It
seems off that nearly all the time Japanese artists are often
considered “Mental” compared to Britain’s uncharismatic musicians that
currently plague today’s media. But in all honesty, is it more really
just the Japanese’s general attitude that makes them move lively and
passionate? And that it will often appear in their music. You only have
to look at Mad Capsule Markets for such evidence, or indeed the type of
bands that are very popular over there, but FC Five although sound more
lively than most, are simply making passionate Hardcore music, which
isn’t afraid of its influences, nor its ability to diversify.
And that’s what is probably most impressive about this album, the
way that a usually quite strict genre has been ripped apart by the
combination of sounds from all over that complement the Japanese
quartet’s sound. Opener “My Strife” is a quite amazing mix of Japan’s
trademark cheeky pop rock with an infectious riff and almost brutal
hardcore with harsh vocals and fast drumming. While ‘Jaded Hope’ runs
like an At the Drive-In b-side which sits a little more happily along
its bedfellow Hardcore sound. And the mid-section of the album plays on
much more devote Hardcore “chugged” riffs which is horribly overused by
lesser bands nowadays, and includes Comeback Kid’s vocalists Scott Wade
and Andrew Neufield to help out. And these are just a few of
the highlights of a fairly flawless album, FC Five have outdone
themselves here, and is one of the finest Hardcore records for some
time. Passionate and pleasurable in its variety, this is, simply put, a
great album. Adam Turner-Heffer |
| Coding: Darren Burrows