God So Loved The World
Demo
Two Bucks/Resist

When you receive a six-track EP that doesn't even crack the nine minute mark, I think you can safely guess that this punk rock record is going to be a blistering ordeal. God So Loved The World (GSLTW) have stepped into the Adelaide scene and have definitely started tongues wagging, not just due to their blatant Christian name (and recent signing to Resist Records). Drawing members from Seraphs Coal, Stolen Youth, STR, In Fiction and Franchise Life, this is a band with big potential and this EP indicates that they know how to deliver.

Opening with the tough guy vocals of Dan Jones, the challenge is spat forth to the pretenders in the scene Where's Your Message? The chugging bass-line of Failsafe soon gives way to scorching guitars reminiscent of the best of '80s hardcore (complete with gang vocals). Jones then drags their sound kicking and screaming into the modern era as the band break it down and show they are not afraid to slow down the speed but amp up the power, while Jones roars "You can run, but you can't hide". GSLTW manages to evoke moments of Sick Of It All, Good Riddance, The Crucified and Propagandi sometimes musically, attitudinally, or lyrically.

Although this is a band who love their hardcore sounds, breakneck drums, fat buzzing guitars and throat-full-of-razors vocals, there is still obvious melody. Not that this would insinuate any need for the word 'pop' to go near the punk rock that GSLTW is sporting, but it is more a sign of the maturity of the song writing and freshness of their sound. Let Go is a perfect demonstration of a band who are able to mix muscle with melody.

Sure it's Christian, but will GSLTW be preaching to the converted? I doubt it. If this demo is any indication, this new band on the Aussie hardcore scene will amass plenty of followers in no time.

Scott Berry