In homage to classic hardcore,
the Control -- before their breakup in September 2003 -- were deeply steeped in the style and spirit classic
Black Flag and
Minor Threat, as their swan song album
Glasseye proves. Just check the riotous "Anthill," a brutally executed, awesome feat of punk strength. Equally muscular and unrelenting is "Autofocus," an incendiary anthem of concern over Big Brother's watchful eye. Throbbing basslines and unstoppable guitars construct the circle-pit-worthy "the Forgotten," another of
Glasseye's skull thumping good times. Admittedly, vocalist Kevin McElligott's scratchy pipes tend to grate on one's nerves by the time these ten songs play out, but in bits and pieces, this full-blown hardcore attack is hard to beat. Too bad they packed it in. ~ John D. Luerssen