This Black Box

Reconstruction (2009)

Brian Shultz

This Black Box do a brand of charred, melodic punk that you'd think No Idea would have helped get out to the masses, but it was actually released by a label just a few miles north. RVA's Forcefield Records backs this, but no matter the association, there's some good stuff going on on this EP.

Reconstruction goes the route of acts like the Blackout Pact or the Sainte Catherines, instituting a standard Hot Water Music influence but giving it a more rambunctious, carefree vibe. The contrast of rough singing with gravelly screams actually remind me of Grade in a weird way, though. "Switch Sides" takes this idea and adds jarring, jumpy chords. "Think McFly, Think!" and "S.O.S." have some of the more effective back-and-forth vocal work and a more tense layer, while "Starving Time" has some of the EP's better tempo changes and solid double-time.

This EP seems a little too sloppy and raw at times and the dynamics could use some work, too. That being said, it's definitely not a bad release and the promise can totally be heard.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD
Reconstruction