Under the Gun is not you average hardcore album, at least by today’s standards. You will find no pictures of anorexic males with hair combed to the side, girly pants, or eyeliner, nor anything resembling a straightedge ideology. Hell, it’s not even traditional hardcore, although lunatic punk or hirsute hardcore might be fitting descriptions of the music made by New York rabble rousers Seizure Crypt.

 

The 20 minutes of music on Under the Gun is basement-show loose (and that is to be taken as a compliment), frantically played, and absolutely ape-shit insane. In other words, this is not about predictable chugga-chugga riffs and breakdowns; it is about a mix of the fast and furious, the nutty as a fruitcake, and the wholly unpredictable. The band itself probably sums it up best with this disclaimer: “There were no triggers, overdubs, quantifying techniques, tricks or anything else used not created by two mics, one guitar, one bass and one (north brand) drum kit.” I for one applaud them for it.

Under the Gun is also a good deal of fun. The vocals are all over the place (madman wailings and rapid fire New Yawk hardcore rants) and some of the topics explored are pretty damn funny. However, the lyrical themes to “When you die (they throw yer stuff out),” “Crazy Cat Lady,” “Drug Pig,” and “Fuck Work” may be comically delivered, but there is some degree of seriousness in topics like America’s reliance on pharmaceuticals and the evils of mass media manipulation. On the other hand, “Crazy Cat Lady” is to be taken literally, as it pertains to “SC bassist Bro-Town’s experience while working as a carpenter in a home of a lady who resided with close to 60 cats!” “Fuck Work” needs no explanation.

All in all, Under the Gun is enjoyably comedic and would work well as a welcome reprieve between grindcore and death metal discs at a weekend beer bash. As for me, I can appreciate it (especially the “fuck you” attitude and light hearted approach) and got quite a kick out of it, but don’t see myself digging it out very often after the submission of this review. For the love of all that is unholy, check ‘em out on-line and make your own damn decision!

[Visit the band's website]

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