Despite my close proximity to the state, it's been quite a while since I've heard something new from Michigan that's caught my interest. Under Anchor is the first band to do so in a while. They are a three-piece hardcore band that draws equally from the youth-crew sound and metallic hardcore of the 90's.

There is No End is the debut full-length from the band. Over the course of these ten songs the band unleashes a dramatic concoction of hardcore that could put the band on bills alongside Have Heart or Verse. For the most part the band sticks to two/three-minute songs with mid-paced riffing and breakdowns with shouted vocals. Occasionally the band does mix into some more chaotic moments, but for the most part they stick to what they do best. Lyrically things concern themselves with typical topics: loss, loneliness, betrayal, etc. A nice accompaniment to the lyrics is brief explanations, which gives the band a more down to earth quality. Overall, a good debut that shows promise.

 

“No thanks to the people who bring this scene down by always complaining that it’s not good anymore, or that it never was,” read the liner notes of this Detroit hardcore trio’s new release. On the disc, a solid half-hour of aggressive shrieking and thrash-punk agitation simmers. Packaged inside gorgeously monstrous artwork is a lyrics page complete with the band’s interpretation of each track. A thoughtful rage blows through the burning city of the album, the songs like pillars holding its ideals and sacred truths above the flame, the body of the work wiry and strong, like biting tinfoil. The mind, exhaustingly near resolution, screams violently into the blackness to remain focused. Go to myspace.com/underanchor for a listen. — Ryan Cunningham

 

Under Anchor-There is No End
(Veritas Et Aequitas Records, 2008)

Armed with a passionate and varied approach, Under Anchor has a sound that treads the line between the noisy approach of a band like Converge and the melodic attack of Have Heart. The band has a knack for trying new ideas and the results are always phenomenal. This is a 10 track album with absolutely no filler whatsoever.

The surprising thing about the album is just how well the band manages to spread their wings and just how good they manage to do each different style. From the speedy old school hardcore sections to the more somber and rock based parts, the band does everything with style and energy. The songs are put together incredibly well and flow perfectly. If you think that hardcore is boring and each song sounds the same this is an album that certainly proves your theory wrong.

What I really like about the band is that even during the slower songs a fast section will come out of nowhere and tear your head off. Some of the slowest and most melodic moments on the disc are followed by blistering speed. It definitely throws you for a spin and makes the band have a unique edge. And for a band that has a diverse approach they never wander aimlessly. The songs are succinct and really to the point even if the tempos may change regularly throughout.

With hardcore becoming somewhat stale a band like Under Anchor really stands out. They take the manic energy of Converge, throw in a lot of curveballs and add an experimental edge. Fans of everything from Modern Life is War to Cave In should be able to enjoy this amazing album.