The Rival Mob’s latest – ‘Hardcore for Hardcore’ EP

Review by Nick Shore | Smutlife

There’s a reasonable chance you might be more familiar with this band for their wildly popular T-shirts which fetch around three to nine times their original price on eBay than their albums. Despite how awesome their merch may or may not be, Six Feet Under Records ensured their place in contemporary hardcore with the Hardcore for Hardcore EP. A six track call to arms loaded with snotty vocals, thumping breaks, and racing percussion, this is the next record to file under “mandatory listening.”

After the successful release of their Raw Life LP on Lockin Out Records, Boston’s The Rival Mob exploded into a new stratosphere of popularity. A pre-release cassette tape containing the title track and some extra goodies was sold on tour a while back, which further increased the swirling hype around their latest EP. Continuing from where the last gasp of Raw Life left everyone, Hardcore for Hardcore pounds 12 minutes of relentless, no frills hardcore right through your heart in delightful fashion.

Nearly every track contains an insanely catchy, mid tempo breakdown, wonderfully smacking of late 1980s New York hardcore flavors. There’s no point in arguing which legendary NYHC band leaks through the most in their influences, as the five piece blends everything together into their own particularly exciting brand of music. Aggressive, yet still capable of locating that head-bobbing central beat, you might find yourself confused between wanting to dance or smash the person next to you in the face.

Take a pick from your chosen favorite hardcore nuances. Booming gang vocals? Nearly every song’s got it. Need an especially crushing breakdown? Check out “Tough Love.” Looking for something with a nice, slower groove? “Minefield” absolutely kills it. The Rival Mob spins the wheel of particularly delicious riffs and rhythms and effectively hits the target on each of the six songs.

Unlike some other bands who’ve ridden the message board, shit talking hype train over the past five years or so, The Rival Mob delivers the goods time and time again. They’re even better live than on wax, which is another relief to hear. The first press of Hardcore for Hardcore is already sold out, but another one is currently in the works from Six Feet Under Records. Also, check out the run of hot merch up now before all the eBay warriors hoard it up.

The Rival Mob – ‘Hardcore for Hardcore’

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