Cruelster Make Them Wonder Why LP
This is a great hardcore record. Hailing from the same Cleveland minds behind PERVERTS AGAIN and KNOWSO, CRUELSTER delivers straight-ahead ’80s Midwest-style hardcore with 4/4 rhythms and shouted vocals. The band is so tight, playing precise power chord punk like the best of them, classic and simple as the RAMONES but somehow completely distinct in attitude. CRUELSTER is also fun and has hooks for days. There are numerous sound clips amongst the blasts that never get old, and even some melodic gang vocal choruses that are as catchy as pop punk without being cloying. As weird as it sounds, tracks like “Jerks” and “Now I’m Terrestrial” give pub-chorus POGUES vibes, while still retaining full-tilt hardcore aggression. Check this out and leave it on repeat for weeks.