To live loud and play hard is exactly what you’ll get from Anklebiter’s short but intense album. They deliver a dynamic blend of youth crew hardcore with just the right touch of punk influence, keeping things fresh and exciting throughout. The album kicks off with a relentless energy, led by pounding drums that hit hard and fast, though at times, they feel just a bit rigid. That said, there’s nothing stiff about the vocals and lyrics. The vocalist brings a fiery passion to her performance, perfectly matched to the high-energy sound that’s blasting from the rest of the band. Her voice has a raw, almost ethereal quality to it—there’s a lightness that cuts through the intensity of the music, creating an ear-piercing effect that’s undeniably captivating.
Lyrically, the album shines with its unapologetic honesty, and the vocalist uses that rawness to navigate the tracks with great ease, giving each one an emotional charge. As for the guitars, while they occasionally stick to straightforward riffs, when they break free, they deliver some truly unique and engaging moments, showing a level of creativity that adds depth to the overall sound. The bass, on the other hand, is a standout element, providing a funky, driving backbone that adds a layer of heaviness when needed, grounding the tracks in a thick, solid atmosphere.
The production on this album is polished just enough to highlight the band's strengths, ensuring the raw energy translates well without sacrificing clarity. The mix gives each instrument its due space, making the whole thing come together smoothly while still keeping that gritty punk edge. Sure, there are a few moments that might feel a bit underwhelming, but they’re brief, and they don’t take away from the overall impact. What you’re left with is an album that delivers on its promise of hard-hitting punk, spicing things up with punk-infused hardcore intensity, and keeping you hooked from start to finish.
RATING: 8/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Pearl
Catharsis
Lynx