PANZRAM - DEMO (Human Crush, 2009)

It can get frustrating living in the decade of hardcore's extreme self-awareness. The canon is so thoroughly-established that any band can plant its roots in its chosen barren land and, with a slight bit of competence and the right friends, yield the fruits of subgenre notoriety and eBaiting. Many of the newest bands take a cynical, even ironic approach to the medium. That's what makes this demo such a breath of fresh air.

Quietly self-released by the band (comprised of two MERKIT members), the thing reeks of earnestness and an emphasis on communication. It's a pleasant refreshment to see a band that draws from the wells of BORN AGAINST and LEFT FOR DEAD but puts their own spin on it. Most of the songs include explanations, but the dirgey, untitled track ferreted away on the b-side speaks for itself - I couldn't have been six years old/The first time the cops were called/Shouldn't have had to lie to them/But I did it anyway, the distorted yowls cascade over the unique drumbeat before the tune culminates into noisy catharsis.

This exciting demo sets the stage for a 10" on IFB next year. As with everything John and Joe do, the packaging is exemplary, so I'd recommend tracking down a copy while they last (the HUMAN CRUSH blog purports that a scant 25 copies remain). Easily my favorite band named after a serial killer. Listen to it!