Paradise

While I do like their extremely well executed debut, Paint It Black's somewhat paint by the numbers songwriting (sorry, couldn't resist!) came across as a little uninspiring given their legendary pedigree (Kid Dynamite, Lifetime). I mean don't get me wrong, these guys play razor sharp hardcore that's leaps and bounds ahead of the typical hardcore band but the debut had a slight been there, done that feeling to it. So while it's a fun record to pop in if you're feeling like some straightforward hardcore it's not anything close to the genre defining work of their previous bands."Paradise" is their first step in reclaiming some of that lost ground. Fans of the straightforward stuff will not be disappointed, as they've kept their talk-sing over the slower muted riffs into blazing hardcore approach intact, but they've built around it with the addition of more sophisticated intros/bridges, more backing vocals and a bigger emphasis on melodic elements that were all but absent on their debut.You can really hear this new approach shine on cuts like the furious "Pink Slip" and the barn burner "Angel". The former snaps you to attention with a perfectly timed lead guitar/pounding drums intro that bridges into some good ol' fashioned hardcore before fading out into a thick, melodic ending. "Angel" starts with all the speed of their earlier work but there's a distinct melodic edge that later weaves into a Cult-like hook that's hard to forget. And I guess that's the big change on this record. Some truly unforgettable songs that can stand up to the legacy of their previous bands. They've even branched beyond their predecessors as evidenced by the closing track "Memorial Day". It starts like a lot of their songs but then you hear a guest appearance by the singer from The Loved Ones and know it's going to be different. They slow it down for a bass only build into a powerful all acoustic ending. Truly an impressive change for these guys.These added elements may make it sound like their song lengths are getting longer and bloated but that would be wrong! There's still not a single song over two minutes, just a lot more going on this time around and as Martha Stewart would say "That's a good thing". Seriously, "Paradise" is a huge step up from "CVA", finally earning Paint It Black the right to be mentioned in the same sentence as bands like Lifetime and Kid Dynamite.Check out more reviews at ohboydestroy.

While the barking, aggressively urgent vocals of Dan Yemin lack melody in the classic sense of the word (read: no effete emo falsettos or studio-enhanced polishing), Paint It Black's music definitely does power along atop glorious, quick bursts of well-orchestrated melody. For the most part, it's purposefully hidden under layers of brutal, pounding, vintage NYC Hardcore riffs that change tempos when you least expect it and abruptly end just when you're completely digging the high-volume vibe and are preparing to chant along. Sometimes the melodious energy put forth by Colin McGinniss (Guitar), Andy Nelson (Bass) and David Wagenschutz (Drums) just can't be contained and busts through to the surface, check out the inspired openings of "Pink Slip" and "Ghosts" the brilliant guitar work on "Athiests in Foxholes," it's darn near pretty!"Paradise" is an expert mix of Bad Brains manic speed crashing into the heavy heart of early Black Flag, exploring the intense pain of an unjust war as well as personal hell like crumbling relationships and a near death experiences (Dr. Dan Yemin had stroke a while back). This J Robbins produced slab of ferocity is not for the meek and that makes me oh so happy. It's a personal treasure just for me (probably not you) that spews a hearty "eff you!" to all the weak-kneed, violin-accented faux punk that the kids suffer through today.Between songs, someone jokingly asks, "Is this too manly? This could get some one pregnant!" Take a listen to "Exit Wounds" (Free MP3!) and if that doesn't foment the happy anger inside of you, then don't bother with the rest of the CD. Paint It Black isn't just the best hardcore band in Philly (that's quite obvious), they're the best true hardcore band making music today. BTW, if you don't have it, definitely pick up "CVA," their Jade Tree Debut. It's equally outstanding. - Jeff Lyons

On 2003's "CVA", Paint it Black established themselves as a band that had an urgent message and a throwback sound. Featuring former members of Lifetime and Kid Dynamite, Paint it Black has a sound deeply rooted in hardcore and punk rock, so you know right off the bat that this band is nothing to sneeze at. While "CVA" was faster and to some degrees heavier, "Paradise" does not find the band falling into a sophmore slump. "Paradise" is a furious running commentary on religion, politics and society over the course of fourteen songs in twenty two minutes. The sense of urgency is strong, the writing brilliant and ocassionally witty, and the music is fantastically crushing, melodic, and memorable. The ocassional use of dual "call and response" hollering adds to the intensity and vibrancy of the songs. Also, the final acoustic touch on "Memorial Day" is not only a surprise, but a surprise that works.Top Songs:"Pink Slip""Exit Wounds""The Pharmacist""Memorial Day"Recommeded for fans of: Minor Threat, Gorilla Biscuits, Negative Approach, Black Flag, 7 Seconds, Bad Brains, Last Rites, American Nightmare

What can I say? Dan Yemin is the man and Dave Wagenschutz is one of the best drummers in punk today, hands down. Paradise, while not as frantic and urgent as CVA, is an excellent and 100% solid album. Perfect old-school hardcore for anyone truly in love with punk rock.Favorite tracks:1. Memorial Day2. 3653. Angel