Rockfreaks.net

Comeback Kid

Trouble EP

Written by: PP on 08/05/2024 10:48:13

Comeback Kid couldn't wait to put out more material, so they decided to bridge their full-lengths with a four-track EP called "Trouble". Given the strength of these tracks, it makes sense not to wait a year or more before integrating these into your live staples. The EP format also allows the band to experiment with different styles more so than on a full-length, which is also why the four tracks offer a high degree of variety.

The opener "Trouble In The Winner's Circle" is a rowdy rock'n'roll-influenced piece, where the ending even delves into melodic punk. I'm hearing subtle notes of Vinnie Caruana's I Am The Avalanche in the last segment.

"Disruption", on the other hand, is vintage Comeback Kid with a hardcore punk base and an anthemic, semi-clean chorus holler of "DISRUPTIOOOOOON - Can't be stopped" that begs to be chanted along to each time. It's a great track that should easily become a regular part of their live rotation.

The best track by a mile is "Chompin' At The Bit". It's one of the catchiest songs the band has written in many years. Its coarse screams and scratchy cleans are ridiculously good during its hyper-melodic chorus. It's brighter and more upbeat than is the norm for Comeback Kid lately without sacrificing their signature style soundscape of melodic hardcore. The riffs are brilliant, and the raucous screams during verses are precisely what you want from Andrew Neufeld.

Finally, "Breaking And Bruised" features Oi! style chants and thick bass rumbles alongside its in-your-face aggression. It's another catchy cut - and underlines why these had to be on an EP rather than on an album because I'm not sure which one of the recent releases this one would've felt a natural fit for.

As a package, the four tracks offer a high-energy Comeback Kid onslaught exactly how their fanbase wants it. It's big, and anthemic, but maintains its characteristic coarseness and aggression levels. If these four excellent tracks are anything to go by, the next Comeback Kid album might just be one of their best.

Download: Chompin' At The Bit, Disruption
For the fans of: Bane, One Step Closer, Sudden Waves
Listen: Facebook

Release date 15.03.2024
Sharptone Records