Underminded
Eleven:Eleven
4/5

Who It’s For: Pissed off hardcore kids that are pissed off with hardcore
Sounds Like: Botch, Folly, Evergreen Terrace, Refused

Sophomore slump? No chance. Underminded means business more than ever now. With a new label, Uprising Records, and a touch-up to their sound, Eleven:Eleven just may prove to be one of the year’s best.

While still maintaining their punk rock leanings, the songs on Eleven:Eleven have matured greatly. Intense gang vocals and punk build-ups with metal breakdowns make up the album, the band has strayed away slightly from their tough guy hardcore vices and they delve into technical metal territory, providing polyrhythmic freak outs and shrieking guitar harmonics (“¡Ya Basta!” which features Marc McKnight from Atreyu, “The Empty Handed Painter”). The political slant is still evident on the disc, but it isn’t quite the main focus anymore. Supporting troops and mourning the war is the topic of “F.U.L.B.J.”, while questions of organized religions seem to be the topic of “The Chancellor”. Heartbreak and scorn is the theme of the harsh lyrics in “Croatia”. Album production is a highlight as everything is crisp and clear but is not over polished. Vocals maintain a slight distortion and are quite catchy. Tighter than ever before, drums drive the entire disc, not slowing down for a moment’s breath.

Here we have a fine example of a hardcore album that came through. The change to Underminded’s overall sound was unexpected as it wasn’t quite hinted at in their previous work, but, they have made such a smooth transition that in no way is this a bad thing what so ever. This album is not to be missed and it will appeal to just about everyone into hardcore. Do not undermine what Underminded has accomplished with Eleven:Eleven. Run your way over to your favourite music store and mosh your way home!

Track Listing:

1. Enfermeria Part III: The Recovery
2. ¡Ya Basta!
3. Croatia
4. F.U.L.B.J.
5. Lords & Wolves
6. In Complacent Glass Cannons
7. The Chancellor
8. The Great American Sob Story
9. Empty Handed Painter
10. ...Ending in Secret Engagement
11. A Soft Prayer Whispered

- Michael Kopko   Posted Aug. 25/07