With former members of Garrison, Texas Is The Reason, Thursday, and Milhouse making up the lineup of I Hate Our Freedom, there wasn’t a doubt that the band’s second release, This Year’s Best Disaster, could be anything short of jaw dropping. The disc, which will be the first available vinyl in the States, is a nostalgic collection of post-hardcore from the ‘90s. Featuring loud, gritty and raw vocals, edgy grooves, sleek riffs and loud drums, “3am New York City” encompasses the attitude of the sleepless city. Seamless quarter glides into “Sans Sympathie,” which is a bit mellower than the previous sucker-punching cut, but keeps the release moving. As This Year’s Best Disaster continued on, it was nearly impossible to not get excited to see what the next track had to offer. The combined forces of the talented veterans created something that isn’t seen too often lately.
This Year’s Best Disaster peaks during the brash “Second Telling Of A First Degree.” The number throttles the entire album into overdrive with its nimble and lively instruments, and Joseph Grillo’s bold and rugged voice makes its mark on the listener. As much as each cut has its own unique qualities that add to their wow factor, “Letterbomb” lacks the extra oomph that the other pieces on the collection have. Despite the setback, which really doesn’t severely impact the disc, I Hate Our Freedom makes a full recovery. Despite each song on This Year’s Best Disaster having their own strong points, the final four cuts are some of the most intense on the album. Leaving two of the strongest pieces to close out the disc, I Hate Our Freedom creates the need to replay the angsty disc all over again.
In A Word: Flawless
