With at least half the band coming from a hardcore background,
None More Black mix things up on their second full-length,
This Is Satire, producing a more diverse punk record with rock instincts than any random hardcore reference would suggest. Having had a pretty rocky time since forming in 2000 (i.e., lineup changes galore), the guys claim the attainment of a long-desired chemistry in their current lineup, and this feeling is evident in the album's overall contented feel. Sure, ex-
Kid Dynamite frontman Jason Shevchuck continues to rant lyrical cynicism in his incessantly coarse snarl, but it's all delivered with a little more bounce in the band's collectively weary step. Aside from the almost suffocating nature of the grueling "I See London," the rest of
Satire is very much full of rock-oriented -- often Americana-tinged -- anthems with upbeat, start-stop chords that dance over a steadily rolling rhythm section. Quivering guitars, handclaps, and a background support system of woah-ohs! and heys! are also continuously on hand to get even the hardest of hardcore kids shaking their hips. This is especially apparent on cuts like "My Wallpaper Looks Like Paint," "Zing-Pong," and "10 Ton Jiggawatts," the last of which delightfully reaches into '50s rock & roll to borrow a greaser's swagger. A notable progression from 2003's
File Under Black,
This Is Satire finds an aggressively confident
None More Black starting to really hit their stride. ~ Corey Apar