(c) Laces Out
Behind Laces Out stuck experienced musicians. Drummer Steve Delucia and guitarist/vocalist Ed Ciarfella have been in bands together for almost 20 years. Among other things, they were with Pigeon with bassist Ray Wasnieski, who completes this power trio. A first EP was released in 2017, then there was silence for a long time. The lockdowns were mostly spent with songwriting, they came back in July with a small EP and are now pushing a full album followingwards. „Here At The Ashram“ bridges the gap between post-hardcore, punk and noise.
Nine rough and yet catchy tracks take the noise esprit of the previous small formats with them, but overall dare to go further. “Ipkiss Please”, for which there is also a video, is definitely a showpiece. Uncomfortable and yet somehow melodically touched Post-Hardcore takes the bulky madness with it and puts it through the meat grinder. So there are a few rousing passages, chopped up by dissonant salvos that briefly hint at a mini-hymn before the scrubbing bass line dissects everything with growing enthusiasm. The instrumental final minute even plays with jazzy alternative motifs in places.
“Kick And Scream”, the title of the opener, would be a great motto for the whole album. The different musical styles come together perfectly here. Instead of turning in the direction of Über-Hook, Laces Out suggest polyrhythms, lay a small carpet of noise over the events and yet remain charmingly reserved. The short, crisp “Shooter” is a punk wrecking ball of the highest quality, fast and foamy, like a madcap hussar ride. On the other hand, “Impulse” slows down the tempo completely, employing leisurely pressure waves of latent madness – a completely different approach for what is at least a very similar idea.
Laces Out rattle through in less than half an hour and bring a breath of fresh air into familiar tones. Of course, they remain excessively noisy, but “Here At The Ashram” is clearly more sorted and precise, more melodic and more varied overall. Angry eruptions, disguised melodies and a lot of love for the suspended and wacky detail characterize this album-length debut. There should be more of that very soon.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: 18.11.2022
Available from: Nefarious Industries
Website: lacesouttheband.bandcamp.com
Category: Magazin, Reviews
