We all know that hardcore and punk are worldwide subcultures. But I certainly too often forget that truism in our American corner of the world.
We let the stateside music dominate our playlists and our favorite artists. I love hearing stuff from other parts of the world. What others’ interpretations of hardcore and punk are. What topics flow through their lyrics. What their aesthetics are.
Enter Sharpener from Melbourne, Australia. The band is new, but its members have already cut their teeth in other bands. Here’s the twist: their bassist is Long Island royalty.
Vinny Corrigan, one of Sharpener’s founding members, played guitar in Inside and bass in Blood Red. So, sure, maybe I’m hedging my bets a little on covering international bands. But also, whatever. Vinny’s catalogue is as legit as it gets. Plus, the other members of Sharpener are native Aussies, so we’re covered internationally.
Sharpener recently released their first demo, and it rocks with a great post-hardcore vibe that weaves in many of the classic influences of that sound while also standing on its own. The demo’s first song, “Every Leaf That Grows,” opens with an eerie guitar lead that sets the tone for the entire song.
The music itself moves along at a driving mid-tempo pace, anchored at times by the drums and bass, while the guitars keep pushing their eerie leads forward. Jonathan’s vocal patterns and delivery create an urgent quality in the song, adding a layer of energy and anger to the music. His shout/scream delivery makes a great distressed tone that adds to the band's post-hardcore vibe.
The demo’s third track, “Blank Mirror,” is my favorite of the bunch. It has a distinctly Fugazi-esque vibe to it. The bass line that bops along just behind the guitars adds fun and quirky depth to the song, and Jonathan’s vocals here are sharp-witted and powerful. He also adds some fun word play in the lyrics that gives the song dimension. The song ends abruptly too, leaving the listener almost confused. I think that plays into the band’s eccentricity and originality.
What we have with Sharpener is a band of veteran musicians who dial in their sound with precision and cohesion. Besides the songs reviewed here, the rest of the demo is just a strong. And Sharpener are certainly not a genre-fitter. They’re genre-benders. Sharpener is doing their own thing, and that’s a great thing. The demo is worth your time, plain and simple. Listen to it a
few times. Let it grow on you.
Get It
- Bandcamp (digital)
Tagged: sharpener
