We can assess this release on two levels: as comically pathetic in “thuglike” atmospherics, or on a purely musical discussion reflecting upon the many iterations of NYHC done by European bands. I can’t help but find myself laughing long and hard at ANGEL CREW. Their posturing as tough guy MADBALL worshippers is displayed all over this, including the on the front cover where these guys show how “hard” they are. Pleeeease….Musically however, this is real tight, and overall, a heck of a lot better than many of the other bands that I’ve witness fail hopelessly at what is considered to be a rather standard formula: “fast part, mosh, fast part, mosh, brutal beatdown breakdown, fast part, fast part.” ANGEL CREW’s drummer is extremely competent, although his skills are hindered by a weak sounding double-bass pedal. The guitarwork pretty much overshadows this entire release, but that’s not really a bad thing since the sound is thick, but not overbearing. The vocals shift from burly screaming to more melodic fare, and at times, I’m reminded slightly of IGNITE. Still, even with “Another Day Living Hatred,” coming off as competent NYHC stuff, the lyrics are miserable. How many more songs about “having your back,” do we honestly need? And oh yeah, this is brillant: “Angel Crew – we’ll turn your life upside down – you piece of shit we’ll make understand – sucking mad dick getting down on your knees – fake ass bitch – we’ll bruise your body ’till you bleed.” Need I say more? Okay, just one more thing – the dude in the bandana and sunglasses in the insert looks like he belongs more in ‘NYSNC than this crap – maybe he’d be better off in that genre. This is a 100% waste of resources.

Goodlife

www.goodliferecordings.com