New York has a hard-core legacy that can not be denied. However, Spaced wishes they were from Maryland. At first, this was not noticed, and I thought this was just a really well-produced old-school hardcore album. The second song and it all falls into place. These guys want to be Turnstille. I have nothing against writing catchy songs and fucking with the formula. But with a song like 'Big Picture" almost sounding like a Turnstille cover, that is where I draw the line. I am however willing to give the other songs a chance. It proves not to be as big of a problem for "Downfall"
I am glad that Turnsstille encouraged punk bands to add more hooks and experiment a bit. But what I do not want are bands ripping their sound. "Rat Race" does have an almost nu-metal groove to it. The vocals have a purpose, the only problem I am hearing is the way the syncopation is used that drives too close to Turnstille's street. The big gang vocal chorus works well enough."'the Difference" is perhaps a little less of a Turnstile worshipper.I still hear the influence it is just not as pronounced. The breakdown groove is cool though.
"Cosmic Groove" lives up to its name. It makes you bob your head, which works well enough for what they are going for and better than most hardcore bands are doing. The sung vocals on the last song, begin to cross back over into the front lawn of where Turnstille lives. At least just circle the block. The car is not in their driveway, but it is way too close at that moment. If Turnstill is your favorite band and you are like 16 years old, this might not matter much. They are good at what they do and the songs work when their true identity shines through so I will give this album an 8.
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