Bane

Having made a name for themselves as the thinking person’s hardcore band, what is presented on Boston based mainstays Bane’s third full-length is to be expected — genuine, memorable music that is suitably progressive and refined within the confines of the genre. While the disc’s speedy old school chops and positive lyrical content are certainly compelling, what makes The Note so effective are the subtleties and the tasteful touches of the avant-garde sprinkled liberally throughout. "Pot Committed” abruptly shifts into a downbeat, feedback augmented soundscape fleshed out with a sparse piano track halfway through, while aptly titled closer "Swan Song” features a melodic vocal progression courtesy of guitarist and Silent Drive front-man Zachary Jordan. Vocalist Aaron Bredard continues his instantly recognisable shout, and if anything sounds even more convincing and venomous than on 2001’s Give Blood. If there is a single complaint to be had, it’s the production — while not abysmal, it is far too polished and flat for a band this reliant upon cathartic intensity. Consistently improving with time without sacrificing a single fan, Bane have once again topped themselves — The Note is their most focused and cohesive release yet.