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How We Are - How We Are (Cover Artwork)

How We Are

How We Are (2005)
Luchador

Reviewer Rating:


Contributed by: Flowbee
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Published on November 6th 2005


Most of you have probably never heard of How We Are. They are a melodic hardcore band from Rochester, NY. Chances are, if you're at least somewhat in touch with the hardcore scene, you have at least heard of some of the bands these dudes used to be in: Standfast, the Disaster and XwitnessX to just name a few.

Not that any of that really matters, as How We Are stands out on their own. They don't need to rely on that old "ex-members of..." tag that seems to apply to so many current hardcore bands.

This summer, HWA released their self-titled debut EP on Rochester-based Luchador Records. 6 songs, about 11 minutes and not one wasted second. These guys play hard, they play fast and they display a level of talent that puts them miles ahead of all of these old-school revivalist bands that everyone seems to love these days.

Two tracks, "Open Up" and "Truth in Fucking Up," are rehashed from their 3-song demo, but the recording quality sounds far superior this time around and it really helps out. The production level adds the extra punch that their demo lacked, but then again, it was just a demo.

If you love gang-vocals, you'll get off on the end of the opening track, "Diagnosed." Songs like "The Search" and "Damage Control" illustrate the solid guitar work that drives many of their tunes. Vocalist Rory VanGrol passionately screams out his deeply personal and socially aware lyrics. Some may recognize Rory as the singer of another fine band, Achilles, but his style here is a far cry from the heavier tendencies of his other band.

For a debut EP, this is ridiculously impressive stuff. It's spent countless hours on repeat in my CD player and every listen leaves me ready for more new material. These guys have only been a band for a little over a year and their sound is still developing. That thought alone makes me incredibly excited to hear what comes next.

It's hard to think of bands to compare HWA to, because they're not really jocking anyone else's style. These guys aren't re-writing the book, but they are doing a damn fine job of branching out and doing something fresh and different. I'll reach out on a limb and say that if you're into Bane, the Suicide File, Verse or any fast melodic hardcore, then you should give How We Are a listen.



People who liked this also liked:
Where Eagles Dare - To Come from NowhereThis Is Hell - This Is HellRuiner - What Could Possibly Go Right...Champion - Promises KeptChampion - Count Our NumbersGorilla Biscuits - Start TodayBane - Give BloodBane - It All Comes Down To ThisBane - Holding This MomentVerse - Rebuild

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    Stefano (September 6, 2006)

    this would be a perfect score if this shit had more songs. the full length is amazing.

    nate_derby (November 9, 2005)

    "too many hardcore bands"

    you're just jealous you're not in one as fucking sweet as How We Are!

    but seriously, this band/EP rules. one of the best sounds in hardcore today - definately stands out from all the rest.

    Anonymous (November 8, 2005)

    it doesn't necessarily showcase it here, but the drummer is clutch

    givemeamuseumandillfillit (November 7, 2005)

    Posted by etwiels88 on 2005-11-06 01:46:00

    You can definitely predict the style by the band name

    -

    So that kid dynamite avatar you got on ap.net is only for show, right?

    bizzlebrizzle (November 7, 2005)

    Oh, of course they've heard Lifetime, but I meant that the music isn't that similar to Lifetime.

    Anonymous (November 7, 2005)

    i can vouch for them and they all love lifetime. hence the band name.

    benz (November 7, 2005)

    But i bet they've heard Lifetime before. At least once. They've heard it and you can't fault them!

    Anonymous (November 6, 2005)

    Great EP. Can't wait for a full-length.

    -phdecontrol

    bizzlebrizzle (November 6, 2005)

    This band has more in common with bands like Verse and Bane than Lifetime.

    Anonymous (November 6, 2005)

    i think what was meant is that how we are is a lifetime song..but either way awesome band

    Anonymous (November 6, 2005)

    since rory is singing it has a standfast feel

    that makes so much sense!

    dougkatz (November 6, 2005)

    sounds nothing like lifetime

    since rory is singing it has a standfast feel

    Anonymous (November 6, 2005)

    too many hardcore bands.

    AlmostPunkEnough (November 6, 2005)

    i hate to praise anything having to do with Rochester, but this shit is really good. seems like a promising band.

    Anonymous (November 6, 2005)

    "You can definitely predict the style by the band name"

    LIFETIME MUCH??? hahahaha

    etwiels88 (November 6, 2005)

    You can definitely predict the style by the band name

    Anchors (November 6, 2005)

    Great release.

    bizzlebrizzle (November 6, 2005)

    One of the best EPs of the year.

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