“Avert your eyes so you won’t have to see, the countless lives lost to apathy.“
Forming in 2019, Inclination have caught the eyes and ears of many, and are considered one of the many exciting groups to follow in the hardcore scene in the states. Comprised of Tyler Short on vocals, Caleb Murphy on bass, Christopher Mills on drums, and mostly notably the duo of Peter Katter and Knocked Loose‘s Isaac Hale on guitars, what is contained within Inclination is a crushing 90s-influenced sound that takes aim at the broken system in America. Sitting alongside the likes of Highway Sniper and Stray From The Path in taking target at the systemic rot ongoing in America – whether it’s the drug epidemic, the failed healthcare system or the for-profit system that has lined the pockets of many, Inclination join this bombardment of resistance coming out of the hardcore scene while along adding their own perspective and differing elements sonically that put this down as one of the top hardcore records to release in 2022.
Opening Unaltered Perspective is a statement opening with, “The world around us designed to keep us distracted, subdued and divided“, boldly laying out its principles of what is to come across the next ten tracks. Those who might dip out due to the hardline stance it takes in its opening moments, will miss out on an enthralling record. The sheer blow-away impact of “Epidemic” is an alert of what is to come, the sheer brutality of it combined with some grand instrumental moments is something different. Switching between moments of two-step chaos and furious riffs, the duality of Short alongside Hale‘s backing vocals is violence-inducing.
The emotional presence on these vocals is soul-scraping, with Short more than sticking his heart and soul into this performance. On “Bystander” there is a raw and emotive performance that is reminiscent of 90s NY hardcore that cuts through on each track. With this performance leading the charge, whether it’s on “Without A Word” or “A Decision“, each track seems designed to be played back multiple times, as these lyrics are destined to be mic grabbed and shouted back during live shows.
One of the strongest and most noticeable element of Unaltered Perspective is the guitar work across the record. From the outset, high-pitched panic chords set in, with flanger and wah filling the tracks out. Switching between this and savage hardcore riffs makes for a combo that is addictive and satisfying, and this is especially evident on “Predetermined“, which blends whirling reverb with hardcore grooves on the drums, and heavy lead riffs before closing out with a hard-as-nails breakdown.
Unaltered Perspective is one of those records that manages to push the limitations of what hardcore can be, in both its intent and sound. The irresistible nature of the guitar work present on the record will surely be revisited again and again. This is alongside its lyrical content, which has not only an understanding but an expression that has been lacking in this style of music, with many efforts feeling too on the nose. With closer “Commitment To Self” declaring “I’m not going to stop believing that I have exactly what it takes, to take this life in stride, and do more than simply survive“, it’s a mission statement that doesn’t drown itself in pity. Whether or not you tune into Inclination for the heavy riffs and breakdowns or the self-authority in its lyricism, either side is going to find themselves with an absolutely grand record.
8.5/10
Unaltered Perspective is out October 21st via Pure Noise Records and can be pre-ordered here.