Return to Mar Music Reviews 2023
Inner Peace might bring some listeners a sense of tranquility, while for others, it might spark inner chaos and confusion. This five-piece hardcore punk outfit from Indianapolis thrives on speed and disorder, delivering a sound that feels like a controlled explosion—raw, fast, and unrelenting.
Musically, Inner Peace excels at organized chaos. Their high-speed, erratic energy may feel messy at times, but more often than not, they turn disarray into something sharp, tight, and deliberate. The guitar work is infectious, lacing their sound with memorable riffs that stick with you long after the song ends. The drumming is pure adrenaline, pounding away with blistering speed, while the bass grooves add a surprising amount of smoothness beneath the chaos, keeping everything grounded.
Production-wise, the mixing on this demo is solid, especially in balancing the instruments, though the vocals occasionally get buried beneath the noise. That leads to my biggest critique—the vocals and lyrics. The vocalist has moments where he sounds alive, fierce, and full of conviction, only to lose energy and come across as tired or disengaged in other parts. This inconsistency makes certain tracks feel dynamic and gripping, while others feel like they’re lacking that extra push.
One thing that particularly caught my attention—the frequent use of the n-word in the lyrics. As someone who’s half-Black, I found myself questioning whether it really bothered me or not, especially considering how singalong-heavy their music is in a live setting. Regardless, I believe the vocalist is talented enough to craft lyrics that don’t rely on filler words like that—he has the skill to push his writing further.
Overall, this was a fun and intriguing demo. Inner Peace brings tons of raw potential, and while they still have room to refine their sound, they’ve already proven they can deliver a wild and energetic listening experience. With some tweaks—particularly in vocal consistency and lyrical depth—this band could make some serious waves in the hardcore scene.
RATING: 6.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
DTP
Just Add Fire
Stop Trying Heroin