Tiger Flowers

Tiger Flowers aren't nearly as delicate as their moniker suggests. Like the long-deceased boxer from which they take their name, Tiger Flowers pack one hell of a punch and a more than surprising level of ferocity. And while this is their first official release together, each member's reputation in the NYC hardcore scene precedes them. An EP in title only, Tiger Flowers clocks in at just over 30 minutes, most of which are uncompromising, brutish and noise-filled. It's diverse as well, because whether it's the post-hardcore flourishes on "Last House" or the sludgy, doom-filled nine minutes of "Drag," each song brings enough variety to distance these guys from stale accusations of being just another Botch clone. Each track is as razor sharp and angular as the previous, and while Jesse Madre's vocals might occasionally creep a little too close to half-talked tough guy theatrics for some, they're usually right on the money.