The Blackout Argument

Munich, Germany's the Blackout Argument are a DIY band that released an online exclusive EP titled Smile Like a Wolf in 2008 to pleased ears, garnering lots of media attention in Germany and Europe. With this accomplishment under their belt a year later comes Remedies, an effort that ranges from melodic hardcore to some noticeable influences from Boy Sets Fire and Comeback Kid. The Blackout Argument have no issues when it comes to finding a good rhythm and groove in their music but they don't manage to create anything special or at all memorable. Remedies blends from track-to-track and doesn't give the listener any clear moments of musicianship that make this album worthy of purchase. The band bang out the tricks of the trade like any other hardcore band: angular riffing from the guitars that's pretty timid, quick punk rock drumming that isn't featured enough and the use of clean vocals and light melodies to create hooks that don't live up to their intentions. The only real remedy is to pretend this one never made it across that big blue body of water named the Atlantic Ocean.