Ed Wood takes its name from the "worst director in hisory" and even shares the same name as his most financially successful film, The Violent Years. Luckily enough for the band, they have not been deemed nor are striving to become the "worst hardcore band in history." They became active in 2010, with a demo shortly thereafter in 2011. With some touring under their belts, they released The Violent Years in February of this year. Two of the tracks from the previously mentioned demo are re-recorded, with 3 brand-new cuts.
"Dead Ends/Open Roads" opens with a NYHC-esque palm-muted chord progression and riff. This leads into your standard speedy, hardcore punk 4-chord progression. A bit of variation is offered up at about 3 quarters of the way through the song, with a mid-tempo breakdown which resembles to me a bridge to a Slayer song. Its use of the phrygian dominant mode that many hardcore songs are (probably unbeknownst to most of its musicians) written in because of its evil sound is predictable but still functional. Lyrically, this one is clearly anti-religion with lines like "You worship the ground he walks on/We spit in his path." Again, clearly not groundbreaking, this was my least favorite song of the EP which was disappointing since it was the opener.
Next up is the title track "The Violent Years." The first thing I thought of when I glanced at the lyric sheet for this one was that I was in for the same beat-to-death topic. However, getting past the first few lines, we see their lyrics are so negative they're positive. I like this twist on things; by seeing different people they hate, they are in turn able to better themselves. Musically though, there's not much dynamic change or many distinguishing qualities to differentiate it from the rest of the EP. It follows suit like the first one: furiously fast drumming accompanied by a chord progression into a slower-paced breakdown.
We're given a moment to breathe in "Curtain Call" where there is a bass-only break. The drums and guitar mimick its line in an odd time signature. A rather predictable chord progression accompanies another slower-paced breakdown and ends on a diminished chord to add to the tension. Lyrically, again we see hate for others, learning from their mistakes of being incredibly selfish.
"Just A Ride" is a mixture of the first two songs and "Curtain Call." The first speedy passages lead into a bass-only riff. When you think another memorable musical moment will kick in like in "Curtain Call," unfortunately it doesn't. However, an anthemic, gang-vocal part comes in, proclaiming that life's "just a ride" and to "go out and take whatever you can get."
Lastly is "Blood Money," the lengthiest of the tracks at 3:21. This is where we hear the most experimentation on the EP. A groovy riff hits at about :45, which leads into a cacophony of harsh drumming and indistinguishable guitar noises. After that is another bass-only break. The bass drum comes kicking in accompanied by guitar feedback. It keeps building up, until reaching its pinnacle; which puts them back in comfortable territory with fast chord progressions and ends as such.
Overall, I'm glad I own a physical copy of this album. The fact that they had it made to look and feel like vinyl is second-best to the real thing. For a band that hasn't been around terribly long and completely embraces the DIY ethics, I have to respect them. Although there isn't much of anything new offered up here, there's definitely something here for hardcore and punk fans alike. The moments where they do go out of their comfort zone musically are the most enjoyable moments on the EP. If they can capitalize on that for future releases, I'd definitely be excited to check them out.
Staff Rating
3.00/5
User Rating
5/5
