Continuing on from our LPs & EPs recap, we now take a look at some of May’s finest single releases. Including the likes of hardcore upstarts EGO, the sheer gem that is the latest Harm single and Aussie rager in the form of the latest Trenchknife.
Nave – Wrong End of 95 (Independent)
Nave re-emerge in 2023 for the first time since their 2021 EP, Happiness Is A Double-Edged Sword, with new track “Wrong End of 95“. Maddi Nave offers up some earworm vocals that indulge their 00s emo influences, backed by pitched riffs that blend in reverb. This makes for a cocktail of modern nostalgia that will make listeners yearn for more of Nave this year.
FFO: Sincere Engieer
EGO – EGO (Demo) (Independent)
The latest on the Leeds hardcore comes in the form of EGO, and it is one hell of an addition. The pummelling guitars that lead the tracks give cause to throw hands. The track comes with a carnage-inducing breakdown that makes it one of the noteworthy hardcore releases in May. With their upcoming debut Demo and a performance alongside the likes of Initiate, Pest Control and End It in July, EGO seem a force to be reckoned with right out of the gates.
FFO: Malignant Methods, Wise Up & Grove Street
Harm – I Fear Only That My Rage Will Fade Over Time (Independent)
The word “gem” is difficult to avoid when discussing Harm‘s recent releases, and most notably their recent single “I Fear Only That My Rage Will Fade Over Time“. Gorgeous vocal melodies fill the track and harmonic riffs intertwine to make it a captivating and emotive listen. Throwing in a fireball of harsh vocals shows that Harm are not one-dimensional and could indicate that their upcoming record a song you can’t feel anymore is a dark horse for 2023.
FFO: As December Falls
Trenchknife – Crown Of Thorns (Independent)
Aussie hardcore seems as strong as ever in 2023 and Trenchknife are placing themselves are one of the most exciting prospects. Every aspect, from the kick to the bass, is ferocious, and the bark from the vocals makes “Crown of Thorns” a belter of a track. There is no doubt that is a stand-up and take-notice track, and hopefully there will be much more to come from Trenchknife.
FFO: Malevolence, Honest Crooks & Volatile Ways
Oliver Beardmore – Fade (Independent)
There has been a consistency to the quality of each track Oliver Beardmore has dropped this year that has continued with latest track “Fade“. Dreamy reverb and glistening rudiments are met with a vocal performance that places itself comfortably in the ear. The subtle moments of the soundscapes give the track a real sense of depth. There is a evergrowing sense of notability to what Oliver Beardmore is producing.
FFO:
Slutbomb – 2121 (Ironfest Records)
The noisy and forceful sound that Slutbomb put forward is difficult to bottle yet ever so memorable. Lyrical intent combined with an abrasive nature conjures up a performance that puts a stamp on the mind. “2121” also injects juicy riffs that further adds to the intrigue of what Slutbomb will continue to release this year.
FFO: Spy, Punitive Damage & Cherish
HELL CAN WAIT – Abbey Gardens (Independent)
There are many that say melodic hardcore has hit its peak around five years ago and has since withered out, yet recent returns and continued popularity seems to prove this wrong. HELL Can WAIT keep the fire burning with their track “Abbey Gardens“. Its an underlying power aches from each element in the track. It’s difficult not to leave this track hoping to see the unit bloom as an exciting melodic hardcore act in the UK.
FFO: Defeater, Hands & Being As An Ocean
Wifecult – Jasmine (Independent)
“Jasmine” bursts into life with a steady yet energetic drum beat that leads listeners into an intimate and vulnerable place from its opening lines. The track journeys through a world of anxiety and dissociation, chasing a deep desire to feel present and connected, to smell the jasmine flowers on the wind, ever challenged by the tides of the mind.
FFO: The Hotelier
Aviations – Coma (Independent)
Very rarely do you see a lengthy progressive metal track done as well as “Coma”. Making a difficult balancing act look easy, Aviations seamlessly stitch together heavier moments with epic, cinematic sections. Tied together with a layer of intricate piano arrangements, the end result is a 10 minute track that fully utilises its runtime. Aviations are doing something special in the progressive metal scene and are definitely one to watch as they head towards their third studio album, Luminaria.
FFO: Skyharbor, Sithu Aye & Monuments
DOGMA – Borderlin(n)es (Independent)
DOGMA are a hardcore punk from the Netherlands that are jsut getting started, but already slam hard. The lyrics of “Borderli(n)nes” are a broad call to action to dismantle borders both material and immaterial, toward a more holistically supportive society. Their singer has developed a unique way to through their voice that makes the energy of Borderlin(n)es particularly desperate. Musically, you can expect the many features of hardcore, including satisfying riffs and a slow-down breakdown outro, with production value you’d expect from a much bigger band.
FFO: Going Off, Burning Strong & Guilt Trip