Comeback Kid Turn It Around

Let me just start this review by saying that every time I listen to this record, the more it grows on me. To be sure, "Turn It Around" is not the most creative or innovative hardcore album to come out in the past few years, but damn, do these guys know how to play proficient, rewarding hardcore. At the very least, this is one of the most solid releases I've heard in a long, long while. I first heard the Comeback Kid on the Facedown Records' sampler, "Strength to Prevail," and I was immediately intrigued by their sound, which is a bit like Bane mixed with Carry On and Strike Anywhere. I promptly got a hold of the record, which was officially released on March 4th, and was quite pleased with the entire effort. The yelled, Bane-style vocals (there's a good amount of singing and screaming as well) are blended with superb drumming (they even had a separate drum technician) and energetic guitar and bass work, which is at times youth-crew and very punk, and at others almost metal-influenced. Furthermore, the Comeback Kid features a few members of Figure Four, although the Comeback Kid isn't as gritty as the aforementioned group. "Turn It Around" starts off with "All in a Year," arguably one of the most catchy songs on the whole album. "Give and Take" displays some great guitar harmonies and a more upbeat sound than some of the other tracks. "Playing the Part" has sort of a tough-guy feel to it, but regardless, it has a great "teaser" mosh bit that starts off fast, but quickly (after about 4 counts) slows down and breaks out into full chaos. "Always" and "Step Ahead" maintain the album's intensity with forceful shout-outs (14 people are mentioned in the liner notes as back-up vocalists), along with more great, catchy riffs. And while we're on the subject of lyrics, the content itself is a little weak, talking mostly about "leaving, letting go, looking back" and other such things, although "Changing Face" is a nice little rail against hardcore crews. "Operative Word" through "Without a Word" comprise the bulk of the album that is less engaging, though all of them have their high points. Closing the whole effort is "Lorelei," a song that exits slowly, fading off into space with static and noise, rather than with a bang, which is a bit disappointing. Production wise, everything is very crisp and very solid. Nothing is really out of proportion, and the drumming really is outstanding. The artwork and layout are pretty cool, too, with plenty of splattered blood accompanying ripped-out hearts, though I get the impression the whole "concept" was inspired by The Dedication's "Youth Murder Anthems." Bottom Line: This is just a great album overall. If you like Bane, Reach the Sky, Strike Anywhere, or any of that stuff, you'll definitely like the Comeback Kid. There's just so much energy packed into this CD it's hard to believe that they haven't received a substantial amount of recognition within the hardcore scene yet. However, I'd recommend keeping an eye on these Canadians, because I've got a strong feeling that this isn't the last time we'll be hearing about these guys.