20 Bulls Each | ‘Lost Causes’

Well this is certainly confident stuff. Coming it at the punkier end of hardcore, these Dublin angries have put together a punchy album which even at 15 tracks doesnt overstay its welcome too badly. Little professionalisms make all the difference here, with short but tastefully placed vocal harmonies adding to the gang feel and overall coherence of delivery. The lead vocals have enough presence themselves however, and though a tad thin, they have a personality which comes to the fore in great punky whinges like ‘Icon’ and ‘Awol’. It’s produced roundly well, though the drum sound is still a bit budget and a bigger bass sound could have really driven it. That said, it is more than acceptable, and compliments the knack they seem to have for writing a good chorus. It should stand them in good stead for some high profile gigs if they can capitalise on their ability with a solid promotional push, because frankly it sounds like they’re better than scraping gigs out of Ireland’s regional toilets for the next five years. Good luck to them, for although it’s nothing even remotely original (hence the honest mark), this is an excellent package for an emergent band.

2.9 / 5 - Ciaran Tracey ::: 29/09/06