3 the Hardway

Reviews

3 the Hardway Hotcakes EP

I am immediately drawn in by the simplicity and haphazard, stumbling-forward Detroit proto-punk quality that these songs have. Bustin Brooklyn’s vocal delivery is a see-saw between boredom and aggression, while Sloppy Joel’s guitar, somewhat repetitive riffs nodding to haunting space-rock drive her lyrics with a much more calamitous impact. These four songs trickle Detroit with every note, and will leave you feeling empty and somehow wanting more. Maybe it’s the Michigan soul or the “heavy-handed swamp-voodoo electricity” (MRR review of LAUGHING HYENAS’ Merry Go Round, issue #56), but somewhere in this, I’m reminded of the LAUGHING HYENAS’ Merry Go Round 12”. Either way, this is a very melancholy and wonderful listen.

3 the Hardway Sex Cymbal cassette

Solid three-song EP here. This has a real ’90s vibe and will take you back in time to when riot grrrl was queen. Sex Cymbal hits all the sweet spots of lo-fi and noise, and at times reminds me of the classic acts such as GOD IS MY CO-PILOT and AIDS WOLF. There’s a bit of a rock’n’roll edge here, but it’s paired with a slow, sludgy cadence. It really felt like the rest of the world was melting around me. Perfect for those hot and heavy summer days which are bound to be fruitful in our current hellscape. Bonus points for having a singing drummer—I’ve always loved that combo! Give this a couple plays and melt with me.

3 the Hardway Cost of Living / Newspaper 7″

3 THE HARD WAY is a unique, kind of experimental riot grrrl band. With the first side of “Cost of Living,” you’re thrown into a very rhythmic setting with lots of female grunting and singing. It very much reminded me of “Pacific Coast Highway” by SONIC YOUTH, I loved it. On the other side, “Newspaper” felt more artsy and melodic. It made me feel like I was in a washing machine being tumbled around and hearing the singing from inside a soapy space. Overall, I really enjoyed how these two tracks played with each other and created a really unique experience.