Final Fight – Half Head, Full Shred

Since their inception seven years ago, Final Fight has matured into quite a complex hardcore act.  With only one other album and split to their name, Final Fight is a band that takes their time between releases.  But based on their second full length, Half Head, Full Shred, they’re also a band who understands that if you want to get noticed in today’s over saturated hardcore market, you’re going to have to have to bring something special to the table – or risk just falling by the wayside.  Thankfully Final Fight get “it,” making their new album an engaging and memorable listen.

The promotional inset claims that those who enjoy Thrice, Comeback Kid, and Rise Against should take note.  I’m inclined to agree, but I’d venture to make that “and” an “or.”   In other words, these preferences don’t have to be mutually dependent.  Case and point: I’ve never been able to fully appreciate Thrice or Comeback Kid, but gush over Rise Against – and I still find myself drawn to theComeback Kid-like moments in Half Head, Full Shred.  Simply put, Final Fight takes a traditional punk-rock formula and successfully mesh it with the rawness and energy of modern hardcore.

Furthermore, despite lead vocalist David’s uncompromisingly raw delivery, lyrics remain audible.  In other words, his voice doesn’t overpower his words, making for a great mixture of meaning and vocal passion.  His voice feels on the verge of breakdown, and there aren’t many vocalists who can successfully pull this off.   The last time I heard something this fragile was with La Dispute’s 2008 debut, which challenged my understanding of contemporary genre definitions.

The band also makes impressions with a mood-setting use of spoken narration.  Most notably, “Day 53” opens with an apocalyptic commentary about the poisons of very day life – that everything is radio active, from head to toe – right down to one’s shoes.  The track channels thick, trudging hardcore riffs, and sudden stops and starts – all well suited for the track’s ominous, personally defeating theme.

Others, like “Bought (Out),” feature quick, melodic, tempos reminiscent of 90’s skate-punk.  I think my draw is that around Final Fight’s hard “core,” they have small hints of other punk styles.

Half Head, Full Shred, caught me off guard.  While I usually make a comment about respecting the energy and intensity of hardcore, this time I could truly appreciate it in light of my own preferences.  Final Fight has crafted an album that even those typically cautious of hardcore can appreciate – and admirably they achieve all this without sacrificing or straying from the genre’s foundation.  Simply put, I love it.