No Love Lost: Closure CDEP
1. An Ode To Jack Gaffney
2. Never Look Back
3. 87 Mile Guilt Trip
4. Here It Comes
5. The Pros and Cons of Indoor Plumbing
6. One Life, One Fight
Self Released CDr
This review is especially easy for me, because I had the privilege to see No Love Lost perform at a basement show in Burlington, VT on November 22nd. Like many modern contemporary hardcore acts, their performance was heavy and uncompromising. There's no gimmicks and no bullshit when it comes to No Love Lost. Seeing them play is pure adrenaline, anger and desperation straight from the heart. There's also no tough-guy thuggery or petty drama that plagues so many scenes. Everything this band stands for is finding something positive for yourself and your friends amidst this fucked up world. The singer even spoke out against those in the hardcore scene who poke fun at others for not wearing the "right short" or doing the "right dance moves," stating that this behavior goes against everything hardcore stands for. Hearing that, reminded me why I got into hardcore in the first place. The band was also able to play at their full capacity of energy, despite the limited space in the basement. Because of this show, I think I actually like basement shows better now.
So how is their CD? Nothing short of amazing of course. These six tracks are a chalk full of floor-punching hardcore goodness. The influences are obvious, ranging from Have Heart, Verse, Comeback Kid and Bane, whilst retaining a unique quality that can only exist when it comes straight from the heart. They play what they want unapologetically and have a fun time doing it. Some people might call it generic, but they're not in this to be the cool kids who found something new. The lyrics are uplifting and inspiring, calling out for a positive, communal vibe and yearning to look ahead and let the past be the past. Other topics range from staying true to yourself in a world full of immense social pressures and the struggle of holding onto this throughout life.
From start to end, this CD never gives up. As soon as you think they're slowing down, they either jump into breakneck speed or hit you square in the face with some thick breakdowns. There is also quite a bit of underlying melody that makes the songs memorable, without becoming too cookie cutter. The production is top-notch for a band that is most likely functioning exclusively on their own funds.
The packaging of the disc gets the point across that this is a 6-song CD, but I really wish the CD itself had a label on it or was spray-painted or something. As a matter of fact, it didn't have anything written on it, so I wrote the band name on it when I got back from the show. A lyric sheet would've been cool too. Aside from that, the disc was a great purchase and I really hope my money got some food in their bellies and fuel back in their van for the long ride back to Buffalo, New York.
Check No Love Lost out at:
http://www.myspace.com/nolovelostny
Buy the "Closure" EP here:
http://nolovelost.bigcartel.com
