Rising from Austin, Texas, Mugger are turning heads with their familiar yet fresh brand of Hardcore Punk. The four-piece band makes a promising first impression with their debut album Luck Forever (Quiet Panic Records).
The intro track begins the album with an electronic beat over muffled voices and elevator-like music, simulating a state of dissociation and a disconnect from the world around you. The track ends with a sample of a famous quote from the movie Clueless, and goes right into the turbulent tempo changes of “Crank It Up” without missing a beat.
The sneering “Find Out” features legendary hardcore pioneers Negative Approach, riling up the rage further with bloodthirsty background screams. “Dickhead Logic” lives up to the blatant impression it leaves with its title, wielding simple yet effective guitar riffs that storm alongside the raging vocals.
The title track serves as an interlude track, but with the same rollicking energy that surrounds it. Driven by screeching feedback, raucous power chords, and a few spaced out growls, the song gives the album some breathing room without losing its in-your-face punk momentum.
“Get A Clue” takes the chaos to a new level by drowning your ears in a sea of blaring dissonance that will leave you dizzy and flustered before you can even start throwing down in a pit. “Know It All” then provides some brief recovery time with a chill yet imminent bass line, before diving back into the slowed yet heavy madness.
Ending the record, spiteful penultimate track “Dear SCOTUS” is sure to stir up some rebellion in live settings. Closing track “Dead Friends” includes the most melodic riffs of the whole album while maintaining all of its hardcore charm. Harmonizing with the vengeful shouts and screams, it gives the album’s final moments an uplifting, motivational type of anger—thus, accomplishing the ideal powerful punk rock finish for Luck Forever.
If you need a healthy outlet for a good, angry, emotional release, look no further – Mugger has got you covered. Turn down the noise of the world and treat your ears to the noise of Luck Forever. Your sanity and well-being will thank you.
Buy the album here:
https://mugger-tx.bandcamp.com/album/luck-forever
7 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY
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