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Bolth

Short-Sighted (2006)
self-released

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Contributed by: superskabro
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Published on July 27th 2007

Only recently has Indianapolis developed a solid punk scene, and Bolth is at the front of the movement. If you live anywhere in central Indiana and you like punk music and are interested in local acts, than chances are you know about Bolth. Sadly, outside of Indiana, few people have had the good fortune to really listen to these Naptown rockers.

Their second album, Short-Sighted is light years ahead of their previous album, Ten Shakes of a Lamb's Tail, for many reasons. The vocals and the lyrics now have some weight to them. Lightly sung skatepunk ditties have evolved into angry, politically-charged hardcore anthems. But this is no 180 turn for Bolth -- it is a natural progression.

The intro to the album does not sound unlike a one-minute clip of a Leftover Crack track, which kind of sets the mood for what kind of progression the band has since their Ten Shakes days. The rest of the album shows the influence of Bad Religion, NOFX, Rise Against and some more Leftover Crack oozes through as well.

"American Idoless" shows the band flexing their ska-punk biceps as they go from angry punk to flawless reggae in a perfect fashion. "Summer of Nicotine" is a straight reggae song -- well, as far as a hardcore band is concerned. The real fire-starter of the album, however, is the riotous anti-Capitalism anthem, "Disposable Outcome," which features guest vocals from Gnat Cummings of the Five Second Cummings and Mitch from Dead in Marseille, both great local Naptown hardcore acts. Short-Sighted ends perfectly with the angrily somber "Recruitment Office," where the band bemoans the military and the senseless death that results from jingoism.

Short-Sighted is an ironic title for an album that demonstrates how much potential Bolth has. This is a step in the right direction. Keep an eye out for the next Bolth record, because it’s bound to be even better.

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nathanw (August 1, 2008)

How could anyone NOT like this CD?

superskabro (May 14, 2008)

I love this shit. There are so many hardcore bands that just do the same bullshit break-downs and the same nu-metal vocals. Bolth is hardcore punk, without the stupid metal shit. The songs are memorable and sound different from one another, which is not the case with most hardcore today. BOLTH! BOLTH! BOLTH! BOLTH! I love these guys...

SilentStorms (July 31, 2007)

Seri? I really like the cover art. Simple, but obvious. And jeez people, Phoenix Bodies is from Indiana and they have been rocking my face off for over 3 years. Score is for Phoenix Bodies.

Anonymous (July 31, 2007)

Bolth is fucking good, could everyone get past how "un-original" the cover art is? If you're not from Indianapolis, you probably wouldn't know but the scene is getting bigger, and a lot better. Some of the bands have a lot of potential and insane live performances, The Glory City Disasters, Highway Magic, Davey Casket & The Ghouls, and of course Bolth, just to name a few.

Anonymous (July 30, 2007)

this shit rules. good luck dudes! i think the cover art is supposed to by ironic.

Anonymous (July 30, 2007)

To the fellow below me, I do believe the star on the tv and the stripes on the tie are in fact original. Wow, this artwork totally punks me out, I am questioning the system from now on.

Anonymous (July 29, 2007)

holy crap. cross and bomb, how original. laff

Kolen009 (July 29, 2007)

whoever says the Indy music scene is dead obviously doesn't get off their ass and go to shows. BoLth is the real fucking deal and I hope the go far. This album is great.

Anonymous (July 29, 2007)

Indiana's music scene is as dead as can be.

The Malcontents were a badass band, though.

nocigar (July 29, 2007)

Shitty cover art? Yes.
Shitty song titles? Yes.
Shitty influences? Yes.
Shitty band? I dunno, they've got all the ingredients for shittiness right there.

haha you say shitty influences..yet you listen to crust.

Anonymous (July 29, 2007)

if these guys are the forefront of the indiana scene then indiana is fucked

thepuglife (July 28, 2007)

very good live band.

i haven't heard this album, but they are really good from what i've seen.

Anonymous (July 27, 2007)

That's one of the worst cover arts ever, it's like a drawing in a grade 9 math textbook, only you can tell its not ironically bad, its just bad.

feeeding5000 (July 27, 2007)

Shitty cover art? Yes.
Shitty song titles? Yes.
Shitty influences? Yes.
Shitty band? I dunno, they've got all the ingredients for shittiness right there.