S.M.I.L.E.

Reviews

S.M.I.L.E. Shut Up and S.M.I.L.E. LP

Shut up, S.M.I.L.E. is on! Dishing out their own brand of Rubber City hardcore since 2021, Akron, Ohio’s S.M.I.L.E. own 2026 with a full-length that is just a massive brawl in sonic form. Expect hardcore punk with a nasty metallic edge, very riff-heavy and completely unhinged. One foot in the classics like CRO-MAGS and NECROS, and another in that distinctly Midwest sense of controlled chaos. Fans of PIG PEN or even INVERTEBRATES should check this one. Most tracks barely stretch beyond two minutes, while the sarcastic “Gimme a Minute” clocks in at a blistering 38 seconds. Expect the unexpected!

S.M.I.L.E. S.M.I.L.E. Some More cassette

Second slammer from Cleveland’s Delayed Gratification to pass through my ears this month, and like the opening track pleads: “I just need more.” Three doses of ripping USHC from Akron’s S.M.I.L.E.—nothing fancy but very special indeed. A logical extension of the BIB, S.H.I.T., HOAX-style hardcore that (justifiably) dominated the mid-’10s, there’s just a touch of groove here and fukk, it just slams so damn hard. More indeed, please.

S.M.I.L.E. Just S.M.I.L.E. cassette

Hardcore punk that has something for everyone. A little bit of metal-tinged guitars here, some RANCID-esque bass lines there, some breakdown parts, a dash of street punk, and mildly distorted vocals. S.M.I.L.E. is one of those bands that would appeal to all sorts, while simultaneously being an acquired taste to others. Definitely worth a listen, or three.