OUTBREAK

After releasing a couple of EPs as mere teenagers, Maine hardcore punkers OUTBREAK now offer the world its "full-length" (16 songs, 20 minutes) debut, "Failure", via Bridge Nine Records. In keeping with Bridge Nine's relatively consistent roster of punk and hardcore, "Failure" at least stays true to label form, but falls a bit short as an album that will result in hardcore/punk fans casting aside the classics in favor of OUTBREAK's new platter.

In fairness, producing a standout album in this genre is not the easiest thing in the world, and there are in fact several moments of broken-teeth rage on "Failure". What it is not is emo-laced or poppy, meaning that the songs are visceral, short, and to the point. Several tunes, including "Down Not Out", "Square One" (with guest vocals from ex-COMEBACK KID vocalist Scott Wade) hit fast and hard, leaving one modestly satisfied, if not exactly blown away. "Lessons Learned" includes a break-neck pace, a brief bit of pissed-off spoke vocals, a short and savage guitar solo, and a cool pace change into mid-tempo groove territory, all in less than two minutes. "Test of Time" succeeds in much the same way, while the 48-second "A.S." (as in anti-social) stands out for its fairly memorable gang shout chorus. Rather than the all too familiar hardcore bark, vocalist Ryan O'Connor goes for more of a snotty, mid-range scream that is relatively effective, if a tad grating.

While hardcore punk tunes are not expected to be lengthy and complex, several of these songs feel unfinished. Getting in and getting out quickly has its merits, but in at least a few cases stretching out the tunes a bit would have made a significant difference. On the up side, there is a whole lot of bad attitude and vicious aggression to go around. It's just a shame that "Failure" doesn't leave much of a lasting impression. Though not a stinker by any stretch, there are better hardcore albums on which to spend your hard-earned cash. Recommended for dedicated punk fans and completists only.