The scenario is an old one, but it's refreshing all the same. The location is a small, dimly lit club in Anywhere, America. The venue is packed out as usual with kids of every subculture standing both inside and outside of the venue. The mohawked girl standing by the door takes a drag on her cigarette as she stamps kids' hands after they've paid their tickets before they enter the club. Inside, a fierce circle pit is in progress as patrons throw themselves in as if they were contents in a milkshake. The band onstage pounds out note after note of fierce old school hard core and the kids are eating up every minute of it.
South Florida's Where Fear and Weapons Meet could easily be that band and with their brand of ferocious and melodic hard core punk, it's no surprise they're a fan favorite both in their hometown and nationwide. The 30 second epic "Everything Between" growls like Stretch Arm Strong while "Judgement Call" calls to mind vintage Madball as if the two were siblings in an altercation.
The six songs on "Control" act like a calling card to stand up, jump in and take part. Every moment is as sweat inducing as the last and with breakdowns as catchy as ones found in selections like "End In Sigh," it's no surprise that everyone would rather dance it up than stand at the back of the room against the wall with their arms folded. Where Fear and Weapons Meet continue to make exhilarating old school hard core that pounds away at not only the soul, but the dance floor as well. Stitches will be needed after this.
B+
