Hostile Objects
Negative Space
Arrest Records
Release Date: 6 June 2016
Review by Derek J. Huckel
After three super tight EP’s under their belts and a split single with fellow Sydney siders The F*ck Outs (RIP), Hostile Objects have submitted a scorching opus by the name of Negative Space. The intensity and urgency of their live show has been accurately captured on this album. Vocalist, Rod Hunt’s raspy, Accused-like splatter vocals leave you battered and broken … but smiling.
Gloom, has a doomy Sabbath-type opening riff that soon halts and suddenly ratchets up several notches. It proceeds to wring you out like a roller coaster ride, piling you incessantly through highs and lows and has some cool driving breakdowns to top it off. The title track, Negative Space, pulls it back a gear, but loses none of the feverish pace. Hunt sings of the sad hostility that permeates society, your workplace, and the street, questioning why does it even exist?
This album is the culmination of the band pulling together their experience through past and existing bands, EP recordings and the multitude of live shows they’ve played. It nicely blends their influences of Poison Idea, Circle Jerks and beyond into their own aural nightmare.