Street Power’s Me Time EP feels like a band caught between discovery and definition — a collection that hits hard in moments but still seems to be figuring out exactly what kind of punch it wants to deliver. From the opening track, “Street Power,” the band sets a deliberate, slow-burning tone with deep, rumbling riffs and carefully measured guitars. It’s not a bad introduction, but it doesn’t explode with energy either — more a cautious warm-up than a statement of intent. That tentative energy lingers in the first few songs, as though the band is experimenting with their sound rather than fully committing to it.
The EP truly finds some fire on the title track, “Me Time,” featuring Ian Fidance. Here, the band’s ferocity cuts through clearly: drums feel alive, the bass hits hard, and the rhythm section drives the track with authority. The vocals remain somewhat distant in the mix — a recurring production quirk — but the rawness works in the context of the record, and the backing vocals add grit and texture that enhance the track’s punch.
“Hate You,” featuring Death Before Dishonor, ramps up the energy further. Classic hardcore attitudes shine through with fast, aggressive drums, gritty guitar tones, and a groovy two-step rhythm that would hit hard in a pit. The mix has a deliberately dirty charm, and a short guitar solo injects a bit of flair without overcomplicating the song. By the time “War Porn” arrives, Street Power starts to really come into their own. Sharp riffs, crisp drums, and a midsection slowdown provide some depth, signaling the band beginning to carve out a distinct identity — one rooted in heaviness, groove, and a controlled touch of chaos.
Some tracks, however, feel familiar. “Our Own Way” and “Victim Weight” rely on recognizable hardcore structures: bass-heavy intros, chugging riffs, and competent but predictable drum work. They’re solid performances, but they don’t stand out, and the occasionally off-kilter vocals can pull some of the intensity down. Despite this, the rough edges add to the EP’s unpolished charm, giving it an authentic, live-wire feel.
The record closes on a more promising note with “A Cross With Your Name.” The playing is tighter, the aggression feels genuine, and the band experiments with samples and dynamics in a way that elevates the track. A surprise hidden track at the end — driven by thick, stringy bass and better-mixed vocals — leaves a stronger impression than the opening track, hinting at the band’s potential when they fully commit.
Overall, Me Time is an EP that showcases Street Power’s raw energy and drive more than polished execution. When the band locks in — especially on songs like “Me Time” and “War Porn” — they sound like a group capable of making serious noise. But the release as a whole still wrestles with uneven mixing and familiar structures, reflecting a band still learning to balance power with purpose. There’s grit, bass-heavy heft, and flashes of promise throughout, and if Street Power sharpens their focus and hones their songwriting, the next release could be a major statement.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Hate You (ft. Death Before Dishonor)
War Porn
A Cross With Your Name