One of the defining characteristics of the hardcore scene is its emphasis on community and companionship, especially between the artists and the fans.

Australian up-and-comers AWOL have debuted with Flatspot Records for their sophomore record Tear ‘Em To Bits and this is, by and large, a hardcore album for the people.

Hooks are rife with the stereotypical group vocals and there are countless opportunities for fans at live shows to grab the mic and scream along. And it’s what the band wanted, according to their press: “The only goal was to make a good hardcore record that we were proud of and that our friends could get behind.”

With that notion comes thumping energy and physically imposing vocals sprinkled all over the nine tracks. It’s a twenty-three-minute ride of assertive, get-up-and-go-energy, but at the same time, Tear ‘Em To Bits quickly sounds fresh and organic, and not more fluff to add to the ever-growing pile.

The riffs featured on “So Many Nights” are characteristically meaty and chunky, and they morph into punchy goodness (“Oblivion”). “Lejos de Dios” sticks out for its acoustic instrumental composition. 

It’s as if the three-headed-monster vocal team of Christian Schultz, Mike Williams (also guitars) and Otis T Bennie (also guitars) approached the LP with a sense of writing what they think a hardcore record should sound like, while also seemingly having the pleasure of being completely new to the genre. And that’s meant to be glowingly complimentary. 

There is emphasis on slicing grunts and blunt-force drums and little to no unnecessary added cushion. It’s not a shoutout fest, either, and the songs themselves have style and finesse instead of being drab and colloquial.

It’s quickly apparent that AWOL (which may or may not stand for “A World Of Lies”) have no desire to blend into the background and become part of the wallpaper of the ever-growing DIY hardcore climate.  

Buy the album here:
https://lastriderecords.bandcamp.com/album/tear-em-to-bits

8 / 10
MATT COOK