I suppose, by nature, hardcore is repetitive and basic. This probably made more sense to me when I was younger, because it meant that one didn't have to be a musical genius to pick up a guitar and hammer out some good hardcore punk songs. But over the years, I've become so numb to the countless hardcore bands that all sound the same. Pennsylvania's Hank Jones has released a record that is a cut above the average hardcore band.
There is absolutely nothing technical or flashy about Hank Jones, and in fact, the exact opposite applies to Saturdays of Thunder. The music on this record is about as basic as it comes. However, these guys get the job done and crank out some fun hardcore songs. With every song being very stripped down, I can get a better feel of the band's musical personality, which is more positive and fun than today's average hardcore band. To just throw out comparisons, I am reminded of Youth of Today, and at times, Minor Threat. Hank Jones has a basic rock-n-roll influence that shows up from time to time, and reminds me a bit of The Clash. Other songs are short, fast hardcore anthems full of sing-a-longs. So I think it's good that Hank Jones does have a bit of dynamics going on throughout this album. I'm also pleased that there aren't any open-chord breakdowns, because I've had enough of that.
I can't say that I care for the vocals or lyrics though. The vocal styles of Mike Torti are definitely decent, but after thirteen songs, I'm starting to get annoyed. His nasal yell could use some variety, and I think the songs would benefit from more vocal dynamics. The lyrics are general hardcore band lyrics, with some songs being positive and some songs about friendship and time lost. But lyrics like "our lives are sometimes simple, our lives are sometimes complicated" make me want to say "no shit." The last song "Pizza Party" seems funny though, and I'm assuming it's somewhat of a homage to Black Flag's "TV Party."
"Saturdays of Thunder" was recorded at Midtown Studios in Erie, PA, and I would suggest that Hank Jones continue to record there in the future. This album has a great, natural, warm sound that perfectly compliments the band's sound.
Bottom Line: Hank Jones definitely has a great amount of room to improve, but I think they are on the right track, because Saturdays of Thunder is a fun, energetic hardcore record. While this album isn't anything really special, I will say it is above average. Fans of Youth of Today or Better Than a Thousand could find Saturdays of Thunder to be a great album. |
