“It’s all coming back around.“
South Carolina unit Riot Stares debut record, Sounds of Acceleration is finally upon us. With 2023 marking five years since their last EP, Let the Phase Speak, it’s been a long wait for those keen to hear a full-length. Unfortunately their debut comes in the wake of the sad passing of guitarist Issy Varoumas, leaving Sounds of Acceleration as the final release from Riot Stares. With an infectious nature that will draw in fans of Quicksand, Higher Power and Modern Color, this record ensures the Charleston hardcore act are going out on a memorable note.
Out of the gates, the pace and drive of Sounds of Acceleration takes hold, with each opening track of “Shockwave“, “Relief Technique” and “Trip Chain” upping the tempo and bubbling tension. With its rumbling bass and racing riffs, with a sound that balances the line between hardcore and punk, there is a striking identity to what Riot Stares have crafted that is inescapable from its opening moments.
It’s a record that doesn’t ever ease on the pedal. Midpoint highlights “Quick Fix” and “Try To Spin” hone in on Sounds of Acceleration‘s themes of intensity and an unending, almost dangerous, momentum that is hurtling through each track. The latter of the two tracks is arguably the strongest of the ten, flowing between furious yells and near-spoken verses.
In its latter stages the pace can somewhat begin to take its toll; it is a just over 30 minute sprint of a record with no pit stops present. Sounds of Acceleration will reward those who manage to keep up with countless energy-inducing moments. While a lack of variety could be leveraged on early listens, with time comes learning the lyrical content and riffs that give each track their individuality.
As “In Motion” sees Sounds of Acceleration out, it holds the responsibility of not just closing out their debut record but Riot Stares as an act. Its pacing and sequencing give it magnitude, with acoustic guitars opening it up and brooding guitars breaking up the verses before the album enters into its final dash. As vocalist Brad Marino yells “Now I can’t stop myself“, there is an abrupt but somewhat fitting end. The velocity contained within such a record was always going to hit an immediate stop rather than being eased out.
Those who have waited for Riot Stares to release their full-length will hopefully be rewarded with Sounds of Acceleration. Going into a debut and having such a solid grasp on their sound is an impressive feat, and while it might not be for everyone, those willing to embrace the ride will take pleasure in it.
8/10
Sounds of Acceleration is out this Friday via Daze Records, and you can pre-order the record here.