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Street Dogs - State of Grace
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I first heard about The Curse when I saw them open for the Bouncing Souls last April. The first thing thing I noticed when I saw them take the stage was that the singer was wearing a Strike Anywhere shirt. This is a plus in my book. They proceeded to play the only songs they had written for about 15 minutes and they completely blew me away.

In hearing about The Curse, you'll hear comparisons to Kid Dynamite, Trial By Fire, Strike Anywhere, and the like, which are fair comparisons, but this EP, as compared to their six-song demo, shows them growing within that genre. They still maintain that hardcore influence, while adding more of a catchy, singalong aspect to their sound, which manages to enhance the sound without taking away from the fury of the EP, whose six tracks clock in at hardly nine minutes.

Lyrical content ranges from lessons learned about life to political discontent, and the gritty vocals really bring out the feeling in these songs.

My only complaint is how short it is, but considering this was recorded within a year of the band's formation, I'm impressed that they could release such a solid bunch of songs. This is a great disc to kick off what looks to be an exciting year in music.



People who liked this also liked:
Strike Anywhere - Dead FMThe Loved Ones - Keep Your HeartRancid - ... And Out Come The WolvesDead to Me - Cuban BallerinaKid Dynamite - Shorter, Faster, LouderKid Dynamite - Kid DynamiteLifetime - Hello BastardsGorilla Biscuits - Start TodayRx Bandits - The ResignationLifetime - Jersey's Best Dancers



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    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 12, 2004 at 3:09 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I'm pissed, I only heard about this band after PIB came around ('cause of Hause). I missed out, this was quality hardcore.

    Too bad they couldn't hold it together for a full-length.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 3:50 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    "Dubar,
    Pretty good review considering you're a fag."

    Funny stuff...

    Posted by turdcorn on 2003-02-12 11:24:31
    My Score:

    Ya Evildead, you didn't hear? Two soldout reunion shows in April in Philly. They might add a third. I managed to scrape up two tickets for the Friday night show. I've got a friend taping it. So who ever wants a copy, when I get it, I'll post my address and you can send me a blank tape.

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 9:29 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Dubar,
    Pretty good review considering you're a fag.

    - Sam

    Posted by evildeadalive on 2003-02-12 02:44:56
    My Score:

    kid dynamite reunion??!! i'm guessing this is just like a one time deal or somethiing though...?

    Posted by turdcorn on 2003-02-12 02:33:24
    My Score:

    Awsome Ep. Saw then with Avail in Philly on their home turf and they rocked the Church sumthin crazy. The rumors are true though, they are breaking up. Last show is gonna be at the Kid Dynamite reunion. It's ashame. 6 Hard songs in under 10 min. The way hardcore should be.

    Posted by waste_elite on 2003-02-11 23:55:01
    My Score:

    sounds like something worth checking out

    the cover is cool

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 11:00 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I was really excited to see them from all the good hype on the internet about them. all the comparisons to kid dynamite and strike anywhere sounded great. i saw them at the bottleneck with about 10 other people. i think i was the only one who had heard of them. anyway i was very disappointed, they were horrible. I really hope this cd does them justice cause there live show did not. And is it really true they already broke up? Good for them.

    Posted by sk8punx4evr on 2003-02-11 20:39:36
    My Score:

    i thought the ep was pretty decent. it reminded me of the best parts of kid dynamite mixed with the best parts of the bouncing souls. thats what i thought anyway. i didnt know they broke up, that sucks.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 8:37 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Strike Anywhere is better than this. Blah.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 5:15 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    i like how people assume they know whats in my cd collection

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 4:27 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    The cover art is pure psuedo-psycho/rockabilly kitsch. I thought this shit died when 22 Jacks broke up. I'm sure these kids have lame ass pompadours too.

    --Cos

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 4:16 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    They're broken up.

    Posted by Hamish on 2003-02-11 15:26:20
    My Score:

    Haven't heard the record, but I like 'em when I saw 'em live.

    Posted by maverick on 2003-02-11 15:16:45
    My Score:

    That cover art kicks ass, in my opinion.

    -Scott

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 3:07 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    The demo cd is sooooooo good. Are these the same tracks from it?

    -sickboi

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 2:42 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Are they breaking up? if so that blows just as much as INDK breaking up after releasing some material..

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 1:50 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    The guys vocals are REALLY similar to Hot Water Music's and the music is a bit heavier and faster.

    Posted by unconcerned on 2003-02-11 13:47:12
    My Score:

    they have that philly sound going

    i don't hear the strike anywhere comparisons at all (and am fucking thankful for it b/c strike anywhere is a fucking turd)

    but this ep is good... pick it up... it is better than most of the albums in your collection

    Posted by pope_schlomo on 2003-02-11 13:46:59
    My Score:

    I hate short records, but it's bands like the Curse that makes me want to hit repeat 30 times. Dave Hause fucking rocks!

    Ramo

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