COMEBACK KID - TROUBLE (EP REVIEW)

Comeback Kid - Trouble EP Released: 15th March, 2024LineupAndrew Neufeld | VocalsJeremy Hiebert | Guitar & VocalsStu Ross | GuitarChase Brenneman | BassLoren Legare | DrumsOnlineFacebookInstagramWebsiteArguably the most prominent track by Canadian hardcore pioneers Comeback Kid would be their hit ‘Wake The Dead’ which was released in 2005. It is the anthem that has their devotees stage diving, crowd surfing, two-step dancing, ninja-moshing and scrambling for the microphone to chant the bellowing four words: “WAKE UP THE DEAD!” with immeasurable gusto. Regardless of whether the observers are melodic hardcore and punk rock enthusiasts, the near three-and-a-half minute outburst of energy is undoubtedly infectious and it is a remarkable riot that is excellently engaging.The closing chorus of the song includes the following poetic statement: “We said, we said, we said, this time was going to be different.” Although this Winnipeg quintet have expanded on the melodic hardcore genre for over two decades now, the thought of elaborating on this sound might be almost unachievable. However, the Winnipeggers have amazingly accomplished this feat again with their fast-paced four track EP entitled Trouble. For the dedicated diehards of the five-piece, please be advised that CBK are still ‘True To Form’ in these 13 marvellous minutes.

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‘Trouble In The Winner's Circle’ is the bold and brilliant belter that the world has come to expect, love and adore from these punk rock kids (“kids” by name as a reference point, 20 years of service is not really the “early years” to be frank, but planet Earth is grateful nonetheless). Focussing on the hooks and melody instead of the ferocity, the political composition would probably make Good Riddance very jealous. There is no doubt that the exquisite gang-vocal-rally-call of “Trouble!” is uncanny; in all honesty, it all comes off as familiar Comeback Kid exploits and one can visualise the fist-pumping shout-alongs with beer soaked gleeful aggression in a live setting from the audience. Furthermore, it must be acknowledged that this time it is “going to be different” - can you imagine a commanding Def Leppard persuaded interlude in a hardcore song? No? Comeback Kid have daringly devised such a fantastic fusion in this opener - is this different enough?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kxO20YYM_A‘Disruption’ is the circle-pit provoking power player of the release. Vocalist Andrew Neufeld spits his venom more harshly in this career-highlight effort, and it is incredibly inspiring to have such pronounced passion still boiling within the driven musician and CBK. The real highlight is the nod of respect to Pennywise’s radical resonance and it is electrifying.‘Chompin’ At The Bit’ follows this attitude and enlightens it remarkably. Fast, furious, frenzied and fun - in reflection, this is essentially the Canucks’ live show and musical formula in four words (Figure Four, but not quite). An added bonus is the exceptional injection of crossover thrash incorporated into this whirlwind of vivacity that Cro-Mags would certainly cherish.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8yel9QHRJc‘Breaking And Bruised’ is the prior mentioned “going to be different” motif wholeheartedly and it is terrifically transcendent. Beware Alexisonfire - these fellow Canadians have presented the experimental hardcore / post hardcore charismatic choon that doesn’t feature the divine Dallas Green, in stirring fashion. Combine the intoxicating ingredients of Otherness, Old Crows / Young Cardinals and Symptons + Cures into a cocktail, shake well and The Caesar beverage has now been assassinated by this synthesising sensation.“We said, we said, we said, this time was going to be different.” Comeback Kid have astonishingly accomplished this without a ‘Shadow Of Doubt’. As the five-piece have gratefully continued to justify for over two decades now, they genuinely do have the courageous capacity to Wake The Dead.Lookout for the new spinoff from The Walking Dead with LP number eight, but for now Trouble will keep the admirers unashamedly unhinged.

Comeback Kid – Trouble EP tracklisting:1. Trouble In The Winner's Circle2. Disruption3. Chompin' At The Bit4. Breaking and BruisedRating: 8.5/10Trouble is out Friday, March 15th via Sharptone Records. Pre-Order hereReview by WillOakeshott@TeenWolfWillhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NTyyCwwDfY