INCH SCRAPER: HARDCORE 7″ REVIEWS OF COP PROBLEM, GALLOWS, AND SECTARIAN VIOLENCE

In 2009, Gallows were darlings of the rock glossies. The subsequent departure of their spunky ginger frontman, however, seems to have sapped much of their punk mojo. Many other bands would have gracefully called it quits rather than release Death Is Birth (6131), the latest from the newly Canadian-infused lineup. The polished single “Mondo Chaos” aspires to anthemic quality, but its puerile chorus bears more semblance to Marilyn Manson than any hardcore band ever should. “True Colours” saves some face, but not enough.

Based on name alone, I’m predisposed to liking Cop Problem. As it turns out, their self-titled 7″ debut (War Torn) lives up to the responsibility attached to such a bold, classic moniker. Like a more coherent Converge, the Philly quartet makes a sonic–and presumably political — statement with these three cuts. “Along For The Ride” hurts like a fat lip, while “Blinded By Power” daringly — or perhaps daintily — dips a toe into Sunny Day emo territory, though it returns to full ferocity in due course.

From the opening barks of “No Regard,” I found myself immediately comforted by the ol’ Victim In Pain vibe emitted by the multinational body known as Sectarian Violence (Grave Mistake). Fortunately, these six speedy numbers don’t wear out their welcome by relying too heavily on that aesthetic. On modernized cuts like “Misplaced Trust” there’s still an economy present that deftly avoids the retrograde austerity of backwards-glancing copycats. The namesake segue is a nice touch.

-GS