The Plight - Black Summer

Visible Noise

Lately, a lot of hardcore/punk bred bands have been injecting more traditional rock elements into their approach. Gallows, The Bronx and Cancer Bats would be fine examples of this kind of hybrid. UK murder squad, The Plight spit and shine the approach with their recently released EP Black Summer. What this five piece does is strip the fat out of the more punkish sections and replaces it with memorable twin guitar fronted melodies. Think of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson era Thin Lizzy as seen through the eyes of kids raised in the Attention Deficit Disorder plagued 90s.

Throwing in bluesy licks like the one that kicks off the galloping "Lifestyle" was a really interesting move. These kinds of diverse moves show the band's maturity and knack for taste. Frontman Al shreds his vocal chords to bits but commands enough clarity to get the tales of r-n-r excess across effectively. The standout here is "It Only Gets Worse" with its Black Flag meets Deep Purple boogie. Songs this kick ass were made for keg parties!

Review by Carlos Ramirez