Sick Of It All - Based on a True Story
12-Nov-2010 Rating: 73%
Label:Century Media/EMI
Produced by Tue Madsen
Playing time:33.33
Reviewed by: Brendan Crabb
Hatebreed may be the biggest hardcore band in the world (and to be fair, of all time), but for more than two decades New Yorkers Sick Of It All have possibly been the best and most consistent. Despite brief flirtations with major labels and the mainstream, the immense boom afforded so-called hardcore during the past five years (not that you're likely to see too many show-pony hardcore dancers at a Sick of It All show anytime soon) and whatever other trends have come and gone, the band have remained steadfast in their dedication to the music they believe in. And this love is once again flowing right through the veins of Based On A True Story, the band's ninth full-length album.
Based On A True Story clocks in at a mere 33 minutes and no song runs in excess of three minutes. This record doesn't boast an anthem of the stature of 'Step Down', 'Just Look Around', 'Built To Last' or 'Take The Night Off', and isn't as hard a kick in the face as its predecessor. Regardless, there isn't a dud track in another remarkably consistent effort. There are no songwriting risks taken, but this is Sick Of It All at their purest - intense and in-your-face, yapping away like a punk rock puppy whose been kept on the leash and treated like shit for far too long. Little deviation from their well-worn template could breed laziness, but the songs still burst with energy, urgency and clever doses of punk-infused melody than many cynics will give the band credit for. 'Dominated', 'Bent Outta Shape', 'Waiting For The Day' and 'The Divide' all boast infectious gang shouts, bruising riffs and Lou Koller's distinctive, yet charismatic shout.
Producer Tue Madsen has again worked his magic, giving them a punchy mix that also doesn't detract from the band's natural charm and vitality. The guitars have a ton of crunch but there's not too much polish as to neuter them. If you're not already into Sick Of It All, grab this, Scratch The Surface, Death to Tyrants and their classic installment in the Live In A Dive series while you're at it. Based On A True Story won't change much if anything, either in the musical or political environment, but like every one of their records it's a healthy reminder that genuine hardcore still remains and will continue to do so despite trends. Nothing has changed in the world of Sick Of It All, but in a strange way, that's what is so refreshing and exhilarating about it.
1. Death or Jail
2. The Divide
3. Dominated
4. A Month of Sundays
5. Braveheart
6. Bent Outta Shape
7. Lowest Common Denominator
8. Good Cop
9. Lifeline
10. Watch it Burn
11. Waiting for the Day
12. Long as She’s Standing
13. Nobody Rules
14. Gone to Ground
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