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Canada’s Comeback Kid released their first album, “Turn It Around” in 2003, with a move to Victory records the following year. The next couple of years saw the release of “Wake The Dead” and “Broadcasting”, plus a few line-up changes.
Fast forward to 2010 (via a CD/DVD release – “Through the Noise”), and they’re back with a new album, “Symptoms And Cures”, featuring some new sounds, and appearances from one or two familiar faces in the hardcore scene.
As soon as ‘Do Yourself A Favor’ starts, it’s noticeable this album is going to be heavier than their older material, making it more like their live sound. They’re still true to their genre though, and a proper fan would still be able to tell it’s Comeback Kid. ‘Crooked Floors’ is a very fast, close to old-school NYHC number, again somewhat different than their previous albums.
‘G.M. Vincent & I’ onwards is classic Comeback Kid, deeply melodic and powerful. A sigh of relief to any avid fan, even though there’s nothing wrong with the distinct sounds they’ve experimented with on this album.
Another newer sound for the band, on ‘Balance’. Think the Gallows’ Grey Britain. The title track also uses some uncommon guitar parts – complicated and fairly intricate, rather than the usual chugging riffs. Nothing wrong with that though, and CBK pull it off perfectly.
A couple more heavy ones, ‘Manifest’ and ‘Pull Back The Reins’, with the latter being close to the metal side of things.
There’s something unusual about ‘Get Alone’ and ‘Magnet Pull’, something you can’t quite put your finger on. They just seem more polished than the typical hardcore sound. Certainly not in a bad way though.
While there’s plenty of atypical (for them) sounds on this album, none if it is too far from their previous releases. So rest assured fans, you don’t have to change your music taste to still love Comeback Kid.
The album would go down a treat at live shows, which, let’s face it is how hardcore is meant to be. Plus, as always with CBK, you can’t help but sing along with your fist in the air and a frown on your face after a few listens.
Maryland act The Dangerous Summer has just announced that they will be re-releasing their debut album, Reach For The Sun, in rare white-vinyl form, with a limited pressing of 500 copies. The album should be expected in stores sometime late fall, with pre-orders beginning in October. With all pre-orders, fans will receive an instant download for the band’s newest song, Good Things (which will also be included in the vinyl re-release).