Reek Minds

Reviews

Reek Minds Eternal Reek EP

Prolific Portland speed-punks are back at it. Cramming six songs onto seven inches of hateful hardcore, REEK MINDS continue along their trajectory laid out some eight years ago. Nods to the classics are certainly present, but I think of bands like SPEED PLANS and ALIENATOR (with whom they share members) as better reference points. These punks clearly have a huge chip on their collective shoulders, but I get the sense that they’re not taking themselves so seriously that they aren’t finding enjoyment amidst the animosity. “Aesthetic” is the rippingest track among a bunch of properly ripping tracks. A great place to start for the uninitiated, but there really ain’t a dud in their growing catalog.

Reek Minds Malignant Existence LP

Fourth release by Portland’s REEK MINDS, again with a non-stop chaotic destruction of brain-melting, thrashing hardcore to grind your face off with. From the first D.R.I. 7” to SIEGE’s Dropdead, to GAUZE’s discography to UNITED MUTATION, to borderline old school death metal like AUTOPSY or ATROCITY (without metallic riffs)—really, the best of all worlds. Complete mutants of the punk scene, but also a real product of the current conditions in the Rose City. Recommended release.

Reek Minds Rabid EP

“Blistering” is an adjective that comes up frequently when describing hardcore bands, and it’s certainly the first one that comes to mind when considering REEK MINDS’ new EP. Powerviolence fury with croaking and growling vocals propels this record forward at breakneck speeds, with the occasional breakdown providing a little respite from the chaos. If you like em super-fast, nasty, and unforgiving, you’ll likely join the choir of enthusiasts who are saying that this is one of the best records to come out in a while.

Reek Minds End of the Trail EP

Fed-up-with-everything hardcore that is in a near-constant state of shapeshifting, yet never loses its momentum or fury for even a second. They can do both stream-of-consciousness songs that are memorable and make sense, along with ones with more discernible structures that are equally memorable and well-written, and are both tuneful and raging as fuck at any speed. The vocals are a nice burly snarl, with a nice raw sound to match. Please, please, please play the Bay Area.