Dig It Up – Manners

Dig It Up isn’t a name that those outside of the hardcore scene are likely aware of.  Yet on their latest full length, Manners, the Montreal quartet has enough personality backing them up to warrant a second look by those on the fence.  Particularly those with a hankering for hard nosed punk rock from a vocalist boasting a throat full of stones circa Death By Stereo stand to make an instant connection.  And while not for the faint of heart, there’s much  more than your brother’s melodic hardcore.

 

An initial listen of opener “Too Fun” begs comparison with Texas hardcore rockers Memphis May Fire if only in allegiance to their distinct southern twang.  But this commits far fuller in the opening chords of “Southern Manners.”   Dig It Up play with the type of balls to the ball ferocity that births violent crowds in sweaty dives.  A thick bass groove lays a blanket upon which crunchy riffs and breakneck drumming pummel those within ears reach.  A sound this jarring shouldn’t be so catchy, but the songs permeate to memory in outrageous solos (“Eyes On Me”) and pseudo-melodic gang vocals (“Jeff Bridges”).

 

Even with all the layers of grit and grime, a healthy sense of humour rears its head.  “Southern Manners” marks a high point with it’s warning to roughnecks and tough guys.  “If you go south of the border, you boys better keep your composure, don’t turn your back until its over cause the southern girls will eat you alive,” reads a gravely warning to home-grown, overconfident “lady killers” looking for a good time.  Complete with an intimidatingly clear instrumental bridge, the track is one of Manners’ most convincing selling points.

 

If there’s any drawback to the disc it’s likely that the back half lacks some of the stopping power of the first.  Aside from “Missing People” the tracks don’t land as firm as their initial counterparts, although there is certainly every bit as much energy.  “Bad Morning” in particular leaves the album hanging, just begging for more complete closure than a fading track title loop; potentially tarnishing listeners’ final thoughts and impressions.

 

Aside from petering out after an otherwise energetic run, Dig It Up deliver on their hard rock promise with enough coarse bellows and edgy notes to win over fans from several walks of life.  Manners is a thrill a minute and a very safe bet for those looking for something doubly catchy and edgy.