Reviews

Eleven Eleven

Underminded

Released: Aug 7, 2007
Label: Uprising Records
Reviewed by: Christina Parrella
2 comments

Upon hearing the recurring opening chant, "Save our lives / Raise your voice / Here we are / March along," the political tone of Eleven Eleven is obvious. But like many hardcore bands who venture down the already trodden political path of our generation, Underminded do it in a non-partisan way, only taking aim at a neutral party, who, honestly, them seem very pissed off at.

The haunting opening track, "Enfermia, Part III: The Recovery," is so catchy it will fuel a frenzy in even its non-political listeners. Underminded - the five piece hardcore outfit from San Diego - of course isn't only political; the band remains true to their own scene. Eleven Eleven is over packed with bigger (and yes longer) breakdowns, guitar and bass layering, and melodic meshes of metal and hardcore.

"Iya Basta!," the second track on Eleven Eleven, which features Marc from Atreyu, starts off with a not so inviting line, "Enough is enough! / Now beg for forgiveness you fuck" delivered in fevering shrieks by vocalist Nick Martin. One of the best tracks on the record, it combines metal riffs and hardcore breakdowns with chilling lyrics depicting death and redemption.

It's not only the breakdowns on Eleven Eleven that get outplayed, but it's the gang like sing alongs. "F.U.L.B.J." starts off with a punk rock type guitar riff and anthemic gang style choruses stimulated by Martin's uncompromising mix of shouts and groans. The music of "Croatia" is a breeding ground for the unyielding metalcore guitar riffs and unwavering drumming that runs rampant throughout Eleven Eleven. However, while the guitar riffs and drum beats are mosh worthy, it's Martin's vocals that fall limp towards the end of the song.

"The Greatest American Sob Story" is another example of the frequent gang type singing, but this track is ecstatic and heavy and Martin's range of vocal styles patches up the holes.

"Empty Handed Painter" starts off like many of the tracks do; incessant screaming and an overproducing of yells on the part of Martin. Its music is also a bit discordant, but thankfully, towards the end of this track, Martin ceases to give himself a hernia and does a bit of actual singing which is coated by yes, more gang like back up vocals. "In Complacent Glass Cannons" sounds like an Every Time I Die track that got boring and distracting for the band to play; there's nothing new and exciting on this one. Martin's vocals are sometimes redundant and grating especially on "The Chancellor," but the rhythmic ferocity of the music makes up for it.