Spy delivers another dose of their signature raw and aggressive hardcore with On The Brink, a collection of distorted, groove-heavy tracks that lean into the band's ferocious energy. While the EP stays true to their sound, it occasionally feels like it's treading familiar ground without much variation.
1. On The Brink
The opening track wastes no time, launching straight into an onslaught of heavily distorted, abrasive guitars that set the tone for the EP. The bass is thick, overdriven, and practically rattles through the mix, adding a weighty low end. The drums are fast and simple, but they pack a solid punch, keeping the track locked into a driving groove. Vocally, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Spy—harsh, aggressive, and commanding. The song grooves hard, thanks to the interplay between the bass and guitars, making for a strong opener.
2. Stay In Your Lane
A well-executed transition from the previous track, this one opens with slow, impactful drums before launching into a hypnotic groove. The riffs are repetitive in a way that pulls you in, but the song leans a little too heavily into Spy’s usual formula without much variation. It’s got that distinctive, aggressive sound, but it feels a bit dry and by the numbers. By the time it wraps up, it overstays its welcome just a little.
3. Dim
The looseness of the drums here gives the track a more chaotic energy, but it also makes the song feel less tight compared to the rest of the EP. The guitars are drenched in distortion, as expected, but they come off a little sluggish rather than cutting. The bass, however, keeps things grounded with a thick, meaty tone. Vocals are solid but don’t necessarily stand out. Overall, it’s a decent track, but it doesn’t hit as hard as the others.
4. Void of Passion
Kicking off with a thick bassline, this track leans into a slower, more atmospheric feel. The ringing guitars create a hypnotic effect, adding a layer of menace to the song. There’s a lot of raw energy in the vocals here, giving it a dirtier, unpolished edge that works well with the slower pacing. It’s one of the stronger moments on the EP, standing out thanks to its groove and mood.
5. Overlord
By this point in the EP, the slower moments start to feel a bit too sluggish for Spy’s usual intensity. The drawn-out pacing doesn’t hit as hard as it should, making the track drag in places. The instrumentation still sounds cool, but something about the execution feels slightly off. The guitars in the backend of the song do add a nice texture, but overall, it feels like it’s missing something.
6. Quit The Act
The closing track continues the theme of ringing, droning guitars that dominate the EP’s sound. While this approach works well in some moments, it starts to blur the songs together, making them feel a little too similar. However, the bass and drums bring in a much-needed groove, giving this song more of a lively, fleshed-out feel. The punk-style drumming here adds some fire to the track, closing the EP with a bit of energy.
Final Thoughts
On The Brink captures everything that makes Spy great—distorted, blown-out guitars, pounding bass, and primal energy. However, the lack of variety in structure and pacing makes some tracks feel too interchangeable. While the grooves hit hard and the raw aggression is undeniable, the EP occasionally leans too much on a formula that feels just a little too familiar. Still, for fans of their chaotic, abrasive style, this is another solid entry in their discography.
RATING: 7/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
On The Brink