Bent Blue might just be one of the most diverse and versatile hardcore bands I've come across this year. If you're a fan of bands like Title Fight, Turnstile (both their old and new material), Have Heart, and Bane, then look no further than Bent Blue. This California-based hardcore outfit truly shines with their expansive collection of songs on this album, showcasing an impressive ability to blend a variety of genres seamlessly.

What sets Bent Blue apart is their knack for effortlessly weaving in and out of different styles—whether it’s shoegaze, hardcore, punk, alternative rock, or even grunge, these guys manage to transition between sounds without breaking a sweat. Each track on the album feels distinct, yet they all carry those unmistakable Bent Blue elements, from the bass tuning to the tight drumming, the subtle intricacies of the guitar riffs, and the unique vocal delivery. Every song feels like it has been carefully crafted with their own signature sound.

One of the standout aspects of the album is the bass playing, which serves as a driving force throughout. The bass moves between thick, resonant tones, as heard on tracks like "Born on Third" and "Scrupulosity," and a more subtle, tasteful presence on songs like "The Other Half" and "Unbroken." The bass is not just a supporting element—it's vibrant, dynamic, and often takes center stage without ever overwhelming the other instruments. It’s clear that the bassist has a deep understanding of how to shape the mood of a song.

The drumming is another highlight. The beats are tight, fast, and often packed with impressive fills, particularly on tracks like "The Pearls You Clutch," "Shatterbelt Blues," and "Rough Mason." While the drumming is solid throughout, there are moments where it feels a little stiff or restrained, and it could benefit from loosening up in certain parts to let the energy of the songs breathe a bit more.

Vocally, the band strikes a great balance between raw intensity and emotional depth. The vocalist’s delivery is consistently raw and impassioned, especially on tracks like "Home In My Head" and "Your Remains," where the lyrics delve into themes of self-reflection, disillusionment, and the emptiness of performative outrage. The unclean vocals shine on "The Other Half," where the rawness of the voice is placed front and center in the mix, creating an abrasive yet emotional contrast to the more subtle elements of the song. There are a few moments where the clean vocals get a bit buried under the mix, but this doesn’t happen often and is generally only a minor issue.

The guitar riffs in Bent Blue’s music are often subtle and understated, adding a distinct character to the album. They don't always take the spotlight, but they complement the rest of the band perfectly. On songs like "Homegrown" and "Scrupulosity," the riffs are low in the mix, giving the songs a laid-back, almost contemplative feel. But when the riffs do come to the forefront, as in "The Pearls You Clutch" and "Rough Mason," they pack a punch with a raw sense of urgency that’s hard to ignore. The riffs are rarely the most aggressive part of the band’s sound, but they have a depth to them that rewards careful listening.

What’s remarkable about Bent Blue is their ability to remain so versatile while maintaining a consistent identity. Their sound is ever-evolving, blending elements of hardcore, punk, and grunge in ways that feel fresh and exciting. Each song feels like a unique journey, yet it’s all tied together by their unmistakable style. They truly are a chameleon of a band, able to shift gears and experiment with different sounds while still staying true to their hardcore roots.

In short, Bent Blue is a band that shows great promise and maturity in their songwriting and musicianship. They manage to create a record that’s dynamic, layered, and full of contrasts—always different, yet always the same at its core. If you appreciate a hardcore band that isn’t afraid to experiment with a mix of genres while still staying true to their roots, then Bent Blue is a band you need to check out.