I’ve been introduced to Christchurch hardcore 4-piece Crisis, and again I find myself happy with the intro.

Consisting of vocalist Jack (that’s a great name to call your children), guitar/BVs from Nathan, drummer/BVs by Liam, and bass/BVs by Callum, the guys have released a demo recording of new single Bones. The demo allows us to experience the raw, live vibe the guys will be exuding at their shows, so with this particular genre releasing a demo-style recording isn’t as much of a ticket to fail street. It feels more in tune with the fans expectations, and shows an empathic as well as commercial sensibility in that.

To the song! I like Jack‘s vocals. He’s got a disarming presentation in the opening bars with the spoken/chant-like introduction, but then shows he can carry not only the beef of a lead vocal but several layers of the expected hardcore roar vocal. Technical delivery is one thing though, and one needs to emote as well – particularly with what the genre expects. Jack manages this in droves. Very well done indeed.

Nathan‘s guitar work is up to scratch. The riffs are nicely thought through and performed. There’s some great sonic hints to the balance of his effects pedals, and the meaty, full sound is present throughout. Callum and Liam‘s bottom end is a monster sound storm. The rhythm is rapid, varied, toight like a toiger, and again is very meaty and fills up the air more than adequately.

For fans of the genre, the overall package – despite, or because of, being a demo recording – provides all the pieces that should attract a good listening. This doesn’t make it formulaic though. There’s a high level of individuality in the composition and rhythm patterns, plus Jack‘s vocal provides that professional level of variance I outlined above.

It’s definitely going to be enjoyed by Riccardo, or Paul the Axeman, so I hope to hear it on some of the commercial level radio stations. Very much a live show genre, this is for the hardcore fans, but is enjoyable enough for enjoyment well outside the comfort zone of fans of the less intense.

Been out since the 7th Feb, so go check it out now. Thumbs up from moi!