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Smartbomb

Chaos and Lawlessness (2008)
Think Fast! Records

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Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on February 22nd 2008

Bearing two members of No Trigger and one of Shock Nagasaki, fans of the former shouldn't have a problem getting into Smartbomb's proper debut EP, Chaos and Lawlessness. At its laziest labeling, it's strong, aggressive and cynical melodic hardcore punk -- perhaps a little more straightforward and intense than No Trigger, but nothing that delves into territory that's too rough. Think self-titled-era New Mexican Disaster Squad, only less vocally dynamic and not quite as musically accomplished.

The word that best describes Chaos and Lawlessness is 'charged.' Some of these songs might be pretty old ("Kids These Days" even says at one point "the year's 2005"), but they still rip. "Throw in the Towel" is propelled by a moment where throttling drums and gang vocals surge its midsection forth; "Standard Issue" rushes by at first only to break with a more upbeat, melodic passage towards its end; "You Decide" rings with a familiar power chord and a downtrodden, dual vocal approach.

Chaos and Lawlessness could certainly benefit from some more dynamic and developed songwriting, but as is, Smartbomb's produced a 12-minute punk rock powder keg that's assuredly worthy of a few listens.

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Chaos and Lawlessness

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pencapchew (February 25, 2008)

l love no trigger to death... i owe them big time... they rekindled my love for music... but i also know them pretty well as people and know they have been having a rougher and rougher time lately starting w/ both original members mike & mike leaving the band two years ago (right when canyoneer dropped and needed crucial support), then having to recruit brand new members (erik and billy of smartbomb) and have them gel into an already well established and comfortable band, which they did w/out a doubt, billy getting into trouble w/ the law and having his passport taken away (no more touring outside the country, which they love), smartbomb getting signed and set to tour to promote their new album (there goes billy and erik), and tom starting what seems to be a serious career in real estate.

in conclusion, i hope i am wrong on this, but no trigger may have problems recording a well anticipated and wanted album... trust me... i want it more than anyone else... like i said... i love those dudes

d_bag (February 22, 2008)

seriously, No Trigger is so so so so so much better than Smartbomb.

this Smartbomb stuff isn't doing anything for me. just let No Trigger put out a second full length so they can fully develop into the truly unstoppable melodic punk force Canyoneer proved they can be.

Dante3000 (February 22, 2008)

Pencap, I don't mean "side project" in terms of "Hey, let's throw some shit together". I mean it like No Trigger has been touring their asses off and probably not left a ton of time for this band (like the review said some of the songs have been simmering for sometime). It's a good album but I think now that they'll have more time to focus on Smartbomb it'll improve the band.
-Dante

GlassPipeMurder (February 22, 2008)

I may be the only person on this site that likes Shock Nagasaki more than No Trigger. But anyways, Smartbomb rules, I still need to get this.

Hey_Asshole (February 22, 2008)

hooray, more retarded Rat Fink ripoff art.

gabbagabbamike (February 22, 2008)

anyone get the "she got issues" vibe from the cover art?

PenCapChew (February 22, 2008)

sorry my friends... this is no "side project"... this is all three members (eric, erik, billy) "baby"... their heart is in this one... i have a feeling their gonna continue strong w/ smartbomb... blowing up city-by-city, taking over the stereo's of your children ... and they should... these dudes fucking rip... hopefully they can make a career out of it... because again, THESE DUDES FUCKING RIP!

Dante3000 (February 22, 2008)

I like this a lot but I definitely get the "side project" feel from it. Maybe with No Trigger taking some down time Smartbomb will get a little more "personal time" under their belt.
-Dante