A Dangerously Relevant Force - Abraxas Reflux Release Double EP



Abraxas Reflux and their recently released Rotten EP reeks of wisdom that only comes from being unjustly fucked with for far too long, and are screaming for some much deserved accountability. The Toronto hardcore outfit are a smart, and dangerously relevant force that exemplify what great musicians do best - give a voice to the voiceless, and be beacons for the disenfranchised.  

Combining 4 new tracks with their previously released self-titled debut EP (released in 2022), Rotten fearlessly confronts issues that unfortunately plague each day, including right-wing extremism, attacks against body autonomy, the housing crisis, religious hypocrisy, and villainizing the vulnerable.  

Preceded by singles "Constant" and "Rope Bunny", the band sets the tone for their new material that leaves no room for repose. Every track is a bullet point of rectifiable issues, and delivers each one with the passion of someone who has been on the receiving end of each trauma. With no time to waste in these short 8 tracks, Abraxas Reflux are not here to make friends or be impartial. They are bringing receipts. While half the tracks are over 2 years old, they are as painfully relevant today as they were when their debut was released. 

Side A and B showcase the evolution of the band. Side A boasts 4 new tracks from a seamlessly cohesive unit that have found their groove, and confidently command attention. Side B are the resolute pillars that everything has been built on. Their debut tracks stand as a successful experiment, combining 4 powerful and talented individuals with a few bones to pick. From their striking debut, Abraxas Reflux have become something greater, and far more dangerous than their individual parts.   

Rotten is a befitting title in so many ways. The blasting patterns, crushing riffs, and relentless vocal assault force a much deserved stank-face on its listener. The EP does not shy away from airing out the stink of some of the most awful contemporary issues. But, the most surprisingly rotten characteristic of the EP is its promise of growth. Rotten scraps eventually break down to become great compost, and from that, things can grow anew. While the prospect of societal justice and equitable growth feel so far out of reach...for now, we have the rot. And rot is a start. 

Stream or Download from bandcamp (Oct 19, 2024)  HERE. 

Pick up a physical copy from Tarantula Tapes (Oct 19, 2024) HERE.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The house band of the End Times - Spades GT Live @ The Queens (Nov 9, 2023)

Image
The expectation of a band to sound as good, if not better, live than recorded is a bastard of a battle. Demolishing that expectation and standing proudly in the debris is Spades GT.  Preceding the legendary headlining band Anvil, Spades GT not only held their own, but made a bold proclamation that they are headliner material.  Their aptly named debut Sewer City Radio is the perfect fit for this thrash/hardcore outfit that creates a soundtrack for the bad times. The structure and sonic assault of Spades GT would make them the perfect band at a house party at the end of the street at the end of the world.  To label them as a mixture of thrash and hardcore is a disservice (my bad), as they represent an authentic convergence of style, influence, tone, and delivery. They are an enigma as their sound is heavy, but uplifting. The lyrical content is harsh, but delivered with enough Woah-Ohs, Yeahs, and Bleghs to satisfy anyone.  Spades GT is the band on the Titanic but play with the attitude o
Read more

Legacy is a family business - Robb Reiner of Anvil and Tyler Reiner of Spades GT

Image
Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#56 - Oct 14, 2023).  Legacy. It’s something that most people don’t realize they’ve created until they look back on whatever they built, even unknowingly, and it still stands. Legacy is in the work a person creates, a belief they stood and fought for, and in their families.  In the case of Robb Reiner, he has forged a legacy all three ways and his son Tyler is hammering out his own.  As the drummer for Anvil, the iconic Canadian metal band that pioneered the genre in our country, Robb Reiner has been a vanguard of metal. When Anvil began in 1977, they were striding into unknown territory, not knowing that the abuse and alienation they suffered as a band would pave the way for countless artists.  Walking that path in his own way is Robb’s son, Tyler. Also an accomplished drummer, his band Spades GT experiment with nuances within the heavy-side of music and have crafted a debut album with all the qualities that shou
Read more

Slewfoot releases debut EP

Image
Baytown Hardcore outfit Slewfoot didn’t DROP their first EP on January 26 - they planted their feet, wound up, and hurled it recklessly into the world. With a run time of just over 8 and a half minutes, the Misconduct EP is a fury-filled and meticulously executed first offering. Giving the listener no time to catch their breath, Slewfoot have created an honest and inspiring collection of songs that proudly represent the hardcore scene of Simcoe County, and Southern Ontario at large. The band was kind enough to include an instrumental “Intro” that is less of a greeting and more of a warning. This band is not here to knock on your door, they are here to tear your door off its hinges and crowd-surf it down Dunlop. Slewfoot has set the bar high for hardcore in 2024. “We have one shot to make it right. One shot to take action.” - Wasted Time, Misconduct EP Stream or download the Misconduct EP here. Follow Slewfoot on Instagram here.
Read more