Following a self-released demo and seven-inch, Melbourne hardcore punk five-piece Outright have released their debut LPAvalancheon their own label Reason and Rage. This record sees the band’s songwriting, technical skill and musical chemistry catch up with its forward thinking and determined ambitions.
Frontwoman Jelena Goluza’s vocals have fully developed into a soaring rage, flying above the masterfully tight and heavy rhythm section. While Outright’s style of metallic hardcore is far from original, they play to the strengths of such an established style and scene. Lyrically, the band’s songs and live performances have always been outspokenly socially conscious. While many may wish to keep their music and politics separate, Outright see music as an avenue for communication and influence.
There’s a fine line to be straddled between engaging and inventive hardcore and tough-guy machismo floor-punching. Too often modern hardcore bands are stuck in a rut of chasing the hardest breakdown, the cleanest production, and having more press shots than songs.
It’s reassuring when a band can coexist musically with its contemporaries, recognising the genre’s roots and history, without falling victim to cliches.
3.5/5.
Avalancheis out now through Reason and Rage.
