Balaclavas - Balaclavas

Review by ひぃ たまも

Balaclavas' self-titled album is a tour de force of post-punk energy and aggression. The Houston-based band's sound is both raw and refined, with angular guitar riffs and propulsive rhythms driving each track forward.

From the opening track "Dispossession" to the closing "Artificial Limbs," the album never lets up, with vocalist Mark Stauffer's urgent yelps and screams adding to the sense of urgency and intensity. The band's influences are clear - there are shades of Joy Division, Gang of Four, and The Birthday Party in their sound - but they manage to put their own stamp on things, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

Standout tracks include "Format Your Life," with its catchy chorus and searing guitar solo, and "Murdered Out," which builds to a frenzied climax before abruptly ending. Throughout the album, the band's musicianship is top-notch, with each member contributing to the overall sound in a meaningful way.

Summary by ひぃ たまも

Balaclavas' self-titled album is a must-listen for fans of post-punk and anyone looking for a shot of adrenaline in their music. It's an impressive debut from a band with a bright future ahead of them.