Sydney hardcore veterans, Toe To Toe release their sixth LP, the follow-up to Arturo Gatti (2010). It has been seven years in the making of the monster that is Rise Up. With twelve solid tracks, proving they are one of if not Australia’s finest hardcore bands. At a time when the hardcore scene is ripe with new music from the likes of Mindsnare, who released split 7″ Kings (1996) with Toe To Toe, the kings of hardcore reign.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUOGUnjkCwA]
Spoken word sets the scene for the fury of album opener Monolith with its thunderous riffs, solos and relentless vocal display of front-man Scott Mac. Deitsy, works the drums like a master accompanied by a bass groove of Godzilla proportions on one of many highlights Bastards Luck. Taking up the pace with Endurance, one area where Toe To Toe isn’t ‘falling short’. As Deitsy goes full throttle behind the kit Nick R lets out stomping riffs to the chanting backing vocals.
My War, My Way with its standout bass intro is a melodic punk anthem with a catchy chorus from Mac. A nifty guitar lead adds a nice touch leading to next track First Sin which will cause instant head banging. A definite highlight showing Toe Toe Toe at the top of their game. Takedown continues the fury with pummeling bass, infectious guitar leads and blistering beats.
DTOM is an upbeat toe-tapper with some infectious chord progressions and leads that will make you take your partner by the hand, going toe to toe, pun intended. The title track, Rise Up is an Aussie anthem that could be the lovechild of Rose Tattoo and Sick Of It All. Blacklisted is another standout with its chugging riffs and Oi punk chants on display.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTW-HpGgrxA]
Turn Your Head Around is a punk rock gem with its catchy sing-a-long chorus. A personal favourite that will definitely turn some heads with the infectious guitar solos bursting out of the speakers. The punk rock attitude doesn’t stop here with Rub of the Green, Mac letting everyone know the band are doing fine since humble beginnings in 1992.
Album closer the aptly titled, Sydney should be the new Australian anthem, perhaps biased being a Sydney-sider, this track is the perfect way to wind things down with a celebration of sorts where one can get loose.
The boys from Sydney town are back with some fresh new ‘old-school’ hardcore on the table. Smashing plates and taking orders so grab hold of the latest LP while it’s hot.
4.5/5
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