Still

Originally written for Music Talk
www.musictalkus.blogspot.com
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Weekend Nachos is a powerviolence band from Chicago, IL. This band is known for mixing elements of sludge and powerviolence together to create a unique, crushing sound and style. Not only is the music heavy, gritty, and dirty, but it's fast. Before you can comprehend what hit you, it's over. Weekend Nachos has been active within the Chicago scene since 2004. With 3 full-length albums already under their belt, Weekend Nachos has added their latest release, Still, to their stellar catalogue of work. For those who thought their could not be a good follow-up for Worthless, think again, because this record packs quite a punch!

The music on this record holds true to what long time Weekend Nachos fans expect from the band. The guitars are loud and dirty, the songs are short and fast, and the balance between sludge and powerviolence is near-perfect. Of the many songs on this record, the one song that will not escape my head is No Idols and No Heroes. The slow pace at the beginning builds to an explosive assault. Rather than an explosive, lightning speed ending, the band slow it down to close out the track with an extra catchy batch of riffage! Another track that I continued to revisit was the final, title track Still. Beginning with unrelenting d-beats, the band pummels the listener until the middle section, when a small slow and groovy passage leads back into a d-beat passage. Shortly after, the track ends with the ambient sounds of distorted guitars fading into the background.

As far as production goes, this record sounds great! The raw, destructive power and intensity that Weekend Nachos is known for is effectively conveyed to the listener. You would think the band is playing a live show in your bedroom (just image the carnage)! All the instruments can be heard crystal clear, and there isn't one instrument sitting too high in the mix. A stellar production job with this record!

The drumming on this album is very tight and everything Brian Laude lays down only enhance each song to it's fullest potential. Great job, Brian! Job well done!

Still by Weekend Nachos will not disappoint the die-hard fan, nor would it serve as a bad introduction to the first time listener. This album is laced with stellar songs, a great sound, and a level of ferocity usually found at home onstage, Weekend Nachos has put forth another great record; a record that will sit well next to other stellar Weekend Nachos titles.

Still, Weekend Nacho‘s 4th full length album, displays the band’s signature animosity with a handful of new tricks, but the same rough and tumble approach we’ve come to love (yes, you all love it). The band’s had an interesting trajectory – from humble fastcore/PV roots that evolved into a heavier, slower sound with 2009′s Unforgivable (still one of my favorite records) – to a more hardcore influenced sound with more breakdown and mosh tendencies (Worthless and now Still). Still encapsulates this growth perfectly; the gang choruses (“No Idols and No Heroes” and ”S.C.A.B”), slowmo stomps, spit verses that’d get a young Jamey Jasta excited, and plenty of power chord progressions to get you circling in the pit.

Still is a brief effort, clocking in a little over 21 minutes, it’s usually over before I notice it. Songs blend together in a good way, the way a live show’s supposed to go. Little highlights, whether they be the aforementioned gang choruses, odd little effects, or even pianos (!) accentuate the steady pulse of 90′s influenced hardcore (“No Idols and No Heroes” is a real piece of nostalgia, especially with the shouted verse of “no heroes!”).

Since I was so enamored by Unforgivable, I’ve had a tough time appreciating Weekend Nachos releases for what they were. I would judge and compare releases and shoot them down simply because they couldn't match the intensity, atmosphere and sheer vitriol behind Unforgivable. That being said, Still holds its own and is a highly enjoyable and energetic slab of metallic hardcore that loves to slow down and get dirty. The production favors the guitars with sheets of crashing metal and the vocals dominate in a strained crackle. The drums seem only apt to blast in the later tracks, which is again, another part of their departure from power violence.

It’s nothing that’s going to change the world, yet it’s not a turd. Still is an honest and frenzied piece of music that can entice metal stalwarts and spin-kicking kids alike. Snag it over at Relapse and be sure to support these dudes live – they’re one of the most fun bands I’ve seen.

Originally Written for www.Cvltnation.com