Sound: Spastic hardcore with a dual vocal assault that alternates between throat-shredding shrieks, eerie and calmer abrasions and a surprising amount of wicked and accessible harmonies. On top of that, Blood Brothers add some downright poppy bounce with some of the organ parts.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Laser Life”; “Spit Shine Your Black Clouds”; “We Ride Skeletal Lightning”; “Set Fire to the Face On Fire”
Medium Rotation tracks: “You’re the Dream Unicorn!”; “Vital Beach”
Explicit Lyrics*: “You’re the Dream Unicorn!,” “Spit Shine Your Black Clouds,” “1, 2, 3, 4, Guitars,” “Johnny Ripper,” “Huge Gold AK 47,” “Giant Swan”
Recommended: Despite the more melodic and musical moments, frenetic fury rules the majority of Young Machetes. The “hits” should reach a wider audience, but only lovers of caustic aggression will have the endurance to last the entire album.
Grade: B+

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* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.