Underminded

What’s so weird about the number 11? To most people probably nothing but to San Diego hardcore outfit Underminded, there’s something unusual. While on tour, it seemed that anytime they would look at the clock it was 11:11, they would spend $11 on gas and everything began to parallel that number. For their second full-length, Eleven Eleven, Underminded decided to incorporate this theme into a political and philosophical West coast melodic hardcore release. The political influences are immediately obvious as a member of a Separatista National Liberation Army makes his voice heard at the end of "Enfermia Part III: The Recovery.” From here on out I’ll leave the politics to the politicians. This isn’t your typical thrash-/speed metal-influenced hardcore album — its tempo is a little more reserved. Eleven Eleven relies on melodic tones from the guitars, ground-punching breakdowns and a few muted chugs. Although the first five songs are very similar that doesn’t last. "In Complacent Glass Cannons” features the best musical composition with the most momentum. It begins with hollow distortion over the drums, which shift into a wicked percussion beat. Then the guitars ring out with high pitch squeals, turning into a headbang-able rhythm and a winding guitar riff. Still, aside from the last few tracks of Eleven Eleven, the record offers mediocre hardcore at best.