Negative Bias (USA) - Speedcore Summer! (2021)

 

The idea of "fun" extreme music can be a contentious topic. It brings to mind years of parodic side projects and experimental fusion bands, or themed bands like Crom and Attack of the Mad Axeman. But Negative Bias, a North Carolina trio composed of members of Priapus and Pizzahifive, may have cracked the formula with this sunny, speedy debut release.

The band deals in trebly, lightspeed punk heavily influenced by fastcore and thrashing hardcore. This album was recorded live in the studio, and that energy is what propels the release. The snarling midrange lead vocals and the backups crackle with life, and the drumming is snappy and focused.

Opener "Lil Goofer" sets the pace as a flailing, excitable 16-second rager. "Poolside at the Hotel Cecil" is a riffy thrasher with dueling lead and backup vocals. The title track (second longest on the album) builds churning, fist-pumping momentum until exploding in a burst of speed at the halfway point. 

No track on Speedcore Summer! even hits the 45 second mark. The mission here seems to be to have fun, play fast and get the hell out. And honestly: mission accomplished.

This music recalls the sweat and fun of live music and hanging out with friends. It's an old punk tape on a car trip, or a backyard barbecue that's also a house show. It's there, it's gone, it leaves you with a smile on your face.

Speedcore Summer! is available digitally via Negative Bias' Bandcamp as a free/pay-what-you-want download.