Presumably named after the Cancer Bats song, GOLDEN TANKS definitely don’t sound too much unlike their Canadian peers. This Reading-based five piece have crafted a debut EP full of intensity, anger and passion. It sounds a lot like ‘Hail Destroyer’ era-Cancer Bats and bands like The Bronx or Every Time I Die. It’s really a heavy rock ‘n’ roll record, there aren’t too many twists or turns along the way but there’s a constant groove which a lot of more experimental hardcore acts lose out on.
It’s not an especially innovative EP, but it’s impressive nonetheless; the production is flawless and manages to convey the sheer aggression of the music without sacrificing any clarity, the vocals are fierce and the riffs are massive. The four tracks on offer are a bit same-y, but as a collection of songs it flows well; a constant barrage of bullish noise and a pretty flawless slab of hardcore. As a debut, it’s especially impressive, setting the standard for future releases. If they can build on this and really inject their own personality, then they’ll surely be on to a winner. Golden Tanks are definitely ones to watch for fans of music who like the volume cranked to 11.
MICHAEL WILSON