Oust

Reviews

Oust A Girl Can Dream EP

Short and potent, this 7” from Amsterdam’s OUST packs a lot of menace and frustration into its three tracks. Expressing disgust and disbelief in our current dubious world order, it’s classic punk protest set to a strong modern hardcore sound. With a strapping back-and-forth beat, ripping sheen, and general atmosphere of malaise, the sound resonates in the vein of S.H.I.T. or BIB. After the brutal condemnation and revenge fantasy of the first couple songs, the decompressed “There is Only Hope in Action” is the real killer here, showcasing the band’s artistic precision and ability to evoke mood while delivering a clear message: they’re pissed, but far from discouraged.

Oust Rather Be a Fuck Up 12”

A geographically multi-located project that erupts with bizarrely cathartic and urgent D-beat-driven hardcore punk, dispossessed and filled with a particularly darkened fury that also deals with metallic forms of punk, brought to us by the maniacs of Discos Enfermos. Frantic hatred merging ever-ranting, expressive drums and maddening vocals. Filled with raw angst, and recommended for contemporary hardcore seekers.

Oust Never Trust a Politician EP

Three tracks of ultra-bleak Dutch hardcore. This band wastes no time tearing into fast and ferocious territory with plenty of room for pit-demolishing breakdowns. No, not in a bro hardcore way, like truly violent-sounding. This band started out straighter kängpunk, but thankfully is in stranger, more satisfying territory with these songs. The echoing, throat-rattling vocals have major presence, and the guitars add texture and tone from across several genres from traditional hardcore to deathrock. It all blends, though; this doesn’t sound “experimental” but rather is a no-frills affair. Slams from the needle drop ‘til the bitter end.