E-TOWN CONCRETE “The Renaissance”
The title for this release could not be any more appropriate. I’ve always viewed E-TOWN CONCRETE as a spectacle that merely existed in hardcore and metal, but had no real depth worth appreciating. Worse, the band’s haphazard combination of rapping and beatdown-core guitar riffs led less than favorable impressions. But these guys have stuck it out, stayed true to their sound, while developing and refining their talents into something cohesive, and “The Renaissance” is surprisingly easy to enjoy. Make no doubt about it, most of the disc is purely brutal, and the powerful production quality only enhances the delivery of the sonic assault. Vocalist, Anthony Martini transitions perfectly between screamed vocals and hip-hop flavored flows, the latter of which sounds just as strong and natural as the screaming. The band occasionally mixes their various influences together, creating some vivid, thick riffs, and mating them with uptempo beats. The opening track, “Mandibles” is both angry and melodic at the same time, yet clearly not traditional in typical songwriting, with Martini’s fierce display of verbal abuse. Other tracks on here stick to the standard metallic hardcore jaunt, including “Meteroid,” and the crushing “Battle Lines.” The catchiest, and perhaps most shocking song on here is “Doormats,” which creates the deepest impression, falling smack into the realm of LINKIN’ PARK music, combining tasty melodies with stiff guitar underpinnings. There’s a guitar lick in this track that’s planted firmly into one’s noggin with practically no effort. E-TOWN CONCRETE’s diversity in songwriting is what carries this album into being something notable. The eleven tracks cruise by in a lengthy 50+ minutes, but none of that space seems wasted or excessive, as the sequencing on “The Renaissance” continually allows the band to sound, aggressive and not repetitive. Of course, none of this means that previous “haters” of the tough-guy genre are going to find anything likeable on here, but in terms of there being a hardcore / metal / nu-metal crossover appeal, this one has success written all over it.
Razor & Tie
