In Print  Home  Directories  Reviews  Get In Touch  Forums  Links  Gig Guide  

PROVOKE/TEMPO 38: Brothers In Battle Split Compilation

It's been a while since I've listened to any new hardcore, despite being into the scene for a while in the '90s, and this album reminded me why. Hardcore could be the bastard child of metal and punk, but unlike metal, which progresses, innovates and pushes boundaries, hardcore has remained pretty static since its beginnings. This split between Brisbane's Provoke and the Hawkes Bay's Tempo 38 profers two bands that sound very similar. Provoke's tracks have slightly slicker production, amusing samples and a 'New York' feel, while Tempo 38 have a distinctly NZ flavour, particularly in the lyrics and vocal delivery. This is really hardcore by numbers. Too many groups try to ape their favourite bands, instead of attempting to experiment within the genre and redefine the 'hardcore' sound, such as Today is the Day, Refused, Neurosis and others have done overseas. Both bands do have talent, and their music obviously appeals to some, but by expanding on what they're doing and playing outside the safety of their influences they could open up hardcore to a new range of fans, as well as gaining more security in the fickle music game.

Related Information