ninehertz

A fond rarity – a physical review copy, once the staple of ninehertz in our early days but long lost to the digital age. And from the USA too, which is incredible when taking into account the decline in postal services globally over recent years, once a pillar of public service, now pure profiteering. And then the daunting feeling that I have to review this, I’m obligated… but what if it’s shit?

Tape in, press play, first track Little Heaven Compound, over in under two minutes and sigh of relief… it’s not shit. Mid-paced hardcore with a live feel recording – as punk should – it’s good stuff. And what’s great is that the release gets better and better the longer it goes – no front loading of their best here.

Just when you think you have them lined up in your mind what they sound like, they bring in new elements. Gone to See the River Men has an unexpected Neurosis vibe, particularly (but not only) through the vocals, a bit like the San Franciscan giants early days.

Then there’s I Cannot Abide. After an opening sample talking of living in a world where genocide is taking place, rich lyrics follow about working in factories, presumably geographically far removed from where these wars take place but knowingly involved in building bombs and the machineries of war. It addresses how a common "what if" has become reality but it has been slipped in, ushered in by press, the corporate west and governments so there is a social disconnect – “without me who would tighten the bolts on the aircraft; without me there’d be a lot less dead folks” – which makes weepcar confronting it even more vital and impressive. It’s probably the best track here on a purely musical perspective as well.

There’s a plethora of genre styles evident across just five tracks that makes so you keep your eyes closed at the end all the more interesting, and as it doesn’t wane one iota as it progresses, its end arrives all too soon. Definitely a band to keep tabs on.