Returning with their third album in the past 5 years, Comeback Kid has thrown another punch to the heart of the pit. This is the first they have recorded with guitarist Andrew Neufeld handling the vocals as well (former singer Scott Wade left way back in 2006) and he steps up to the mic with the energy and charisma of a seasoned veteran. The band settles in perfectly behind him and the gelling of this four piece is much more solid than the old quintet.
Taking off with the sing-along anthem “Defeated” the band doesn’t stop for half an hour. All 33 minutes are played with the sweat stained rock power that is typical of mid 90’s style hardcore but of course it’s drenched in the melody of modern post-punk. Much like the arrival of the Swedes on the old Winnipeg Jets (see the World Hockey Association) these boys take something that was great and turn it into something amazing. For some reason I can’t get Frodus out of my mind while listening to this record even though it has much more in common with Strongarm or Figure Four (yeah, that’s the band whose ashes CBK rose out of).
These boys from the mosquito ridden armpit of Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba) have created a dark and glorious collection of sing along hardcore anthems. And although “Broadcasting” is far from groundbreaking, it is so well played that it takes all you can to hold yourself back from shouting along across the office.
Key Tracks:
Reviewed by Rob Froese |
