Wreckage – A Nostalgic Ride Through 90s Hardcore

Connecticut’s Wreckage is a band that wears its influences on its sleeve, delivering a hardcore EP that pays homage to the 90s hardcore sound while benefiting from modern production clarity. The band is clearly dedicated to the genre, skillfully recreating the essence of old-school hardcore with fast, punk-driven drumming, ripping guitar riffs, deep, youth crew-style bass lines, and sharp, commanding vocals. However, while the execution is solid, the EP struggles to bring anything fresh to the table, making it feel more like a well-polished tribute than a forward-thinking addition to the genre.

From the very first track, Wreckage sets a familiar tone. “What’s Left” kicks off with a classic drum-and-riff combo that feels instantly recognizable—perhaps too recognizable. It’s the kind of sound that has been done countless times before, and while it’s played well, it doesn’t bring any new ideas or energy that might make it stand out from the pack. Similarly, “Screaming Out” delivers fast, punchy punk beats and energetic riffs, but the approach feels a little too by-the-numbers, lacking the sense of urgency that could elevate these tracks from enjoyable to truly compelling.

This lack of urgency becomes a recurring issue throughout the EP. While it’s clear the band is having fun and staying true to the genre’s roots, the songs don’t demand attention in the way great hardcore should. It feels as though Wreckage is playing it safe, sticking closely to the genre’s blueprint without injecting much of their own personality.

This becomes most evident in the closing moments of “Screaming Out.” The track has a perfect opportunity to end the EP on a high note—maybe with a crushing breakdown or an explosive final burst of energy—but instead, it fades out in a way that feels underwhelming. The lackluster ending leaves the listener wanting more, but not in a way that sparks excitement for a replay—rather, it highlights the missed potential to make a stronger impact.

That being said, the band sounds tighter and more refined than ever. One major improvement over their previous work is the vocal performance. The vocalist has clearly honed their delivery, making it sharper, more controlled, and more impactful than before. The production is another major strength, bringing crisp clarity to every instrument. The bass, in particular, shines, cutting through the mix with a rich, deep tone that adds weight to the songs. Whoever handled the production knew exactly how to balance the elements, ensuring that every member of the band is given the right amount of power and presence.

At the end of the day, Wreckage delivers a well-executed, nostalgia-fueled EP that will satisfy fans of 90s hardcore. If you’re looking for a fresh take on the genre, you might not find it here. But if you’re in the mood for a solid, throwback-style hardcore record with tight musicianship and strong production, then Wreckage provides exactly that. They’ve proven they can replicate the sound of their influences with precision—now they just need to take the next step and carve out their own identity.