Reviews

Every hardcore kid is probably going to want to kick me in the head for this but, the thing that I have noticed about most hardcore, is that the bands have the most amazing, poetic, metaphorical lyrics but that they are totally ruined by the screaming. I cannot listen to hardcore because of the screaming. Contender could be considered hardcore but for some reason I like them. It took a few listens but I grew to enjoy it. A lot. Maybe its because there is that Glasseater quality that makes them totally listenable for me, where the lead singer sings totally normal and its just the backup vocals that are screamed. The other thing about this band is that it is the most interesting mix of hard, heavy and fast and then piano and something that sounds almost softcore. Hands down, my favourite song would have to be the opening track Last of a Living Breed because it totally encompasses everything that this album has in store for you. I also enjoy a specific part in Hapworth where it goes completely silent and all you hear is the screaming, but it’s so amazing because it actually sounds like the singer is yelling this at someone. There is so much passion in every single one of the songs it's awesome. Contender has been described as Grade mixed with Avail or The Get Up Kids meshed with Kid Dynamite, honestly to understand anything I have said and to get the full picture of how purely fresh this band is you need to take a listen for yourself.