Philly-based hardcore band Soul Glo signed for Epitaph Records were always going to be challenging and thought-provoking and politically charged, it was a no brainer. with lines like: “Ain’t nothin’ as ugly as a balance in the red / I want bands on every politician’s head” and opening your record with the strained scream of ‘Gold Chain Punk (Whogonnabeatmyass?)’ has got my attention.

Moving straight into the raging screamer ‘Coming Correct Is Cheaper’ hasn’t just got my attention but I’m sat bolt upright looking for the volume control to turn this fucker up! Uncompromising – relentless – breathless and with a pulse going through the roof. Soul Glo are in da house! Fusing hip-hop, hardcore, and punk, the Philly outfit are fearless and brutal in their delivery. Taking no prisoners and most definitely no fucks given! Soul Glo aren’t looking for hipsters but people who want to jump on board ‘Thumbsucker’ mixes it up with some horn (I Think) and melody before diving back into the bearpit with their collective backside on fire for ‘Fucked Up If True’.

This is getting addictive as ‘Jump’ is outta control like a low flying drone with a saw blade attached taking no prisoners. To be fair once you lock into the vocals and a few repeated plays it makes perfect sense and the screaming is deffo addictive.

The artwork will give you an insight into what the album sounds like if that makes sense, But it won’t apologise for taking your mind on a headfucked journey into some bleak territory but the rewards are multiple. The bass on ‘The Thangs I Carry’ is filthy and reminds me of a more extreme Cerebral Ballzy clearly influenced by old school Bad Brains which is always a welcome sight for modern bands that they get where this scenes roots are. Soul Glo are blowing up and rightly so, the record is an explosion of sounds and ideas it’s harnessing those vital triggers and using them in a way people get it. It won’t be for everyone that’s how extreme music goes but given half a chance and this one can fly!

Check out Soul Glo if you dare but don’t blame me if you find yourself in a circle pit at the bus stop or moshing at the supermarket. Hardcore is here and it’s not always a bed of roses!

Buy Soul Glo Here

Author: Dom Daley