Search - Bars :: Introducing

Ac/dc meets modern boston hardcore

BLuTT | Chicago, Illinois United States | 01/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"well, Bars could really do no wrong in my eyes, as it is comprised of members of Hope Conspiracy and American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost. vocally, it leans toward the style of Hope Con (same singer), but musically, it doesn't lean toward GUTG, as one might expect. however, i am glad they didn't rehash that style, as they have come up with something fresh and just as infectious. it's hardcore, but with a twist: they've tastefully infused c*ck-rock into it and it actually enhances the sound. this infusion becomes particularly evident as the record begins to wind down with the song "too far down". it's almost got a 70's southern rock sound. many will say that this is not a welcome change, but i've tired of bands and scenes that just stick to the same couple of principals, so to me it's a plus to see them unafraid to show their broader interests. but don't get me wrong, there are plenty of classic, speedy, fist pumping rockers on the record.

lyrically, you can expect the same brutality as Hope Conspiracy. if they got you amped, this will too.

definitely a few degrees of separation between Bars and what the hardcore scene is comprised of these days. i'm not sure i would lump them in with the hardcore scene, actually, as there are really no "mosh parts" (boy do i feel like and idiot typing THAT) for those goofy kids stretching in the back of the room to do spin-kicks to. straighforward rock with some muscle behind it. check em out."