RECOIL
FEST '99: DAY ONE
THE SMIZOKES; CARVED IN STONE; GAMEWINNER; THE HEROIN ADDICTS; DIVULSION
VFW #160; Glen
Burnie, MD: 12/03/99
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
As this was a Recoil Production I was expecting a lot from this
show and I was not disappointed. Karl and Jacque did an excellent job in setting up a
diverse line-up - each band brought their own distinctive contribution to the sound and vibe of the evening.
Divulsion opened the show with a blast of modern hardcore spliced with metallic riffs. Divulsion
were able to blend post-hardcore, ultra-heavy riffing and slow-dirges with
breakneck pacing in a satisfying concoction.
Local punk rockers The Heroin Addicts were down to a three piece for this show due to a
bandmate who was ill. No problem. The Heroin Addicts laid down a blend of punk that was not too
poppy nor too angry - this happy medium fit in with the good vibes of the evening.
Gamewinner, purveyors of the old school hardcore sound with a positive message, played what I
normally think of when I think of hardcore. Gamewinner really got into the action with the audience.
Fearless devotion to the moment is the feeling I got from Gamewinner.
Carved In Stone played a thrash-laden set of hardcore edged metal. Clearly the young talent in
Carved In Stone has been exposed to both hardcore and metal is crafting a new harder edge sound
without resorting to the kinds of tactics that metal bands suffer when seeking an
identity.
The Smizokes, a ska-core band, were the night's most accomplished musical act. This nine member outfit is tight and steady. And everyone came prepared with their dancin' shoes - the music literally demanded that the audience dance and nearly everyone complied. The mix of hardcore and ska was augmented by a five-piece horn section; the horns really make the sound full and vibrant. The Smizokes already have a smash debut record, yet the band showcased a number of new tunes from their upcoming sophomore effort. When a band reaches a certain level of musicianship and confidence the music just flows out - such is the case with The Smizokes.
This show was proof that as long as you can put together a few bands and a room big enough to hold a couple hundred of your best friends you can party all night long.
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Revised: 06 Oct 2019 11:48:58 -0400.
