Remember the really awesome last album from Thought Riot, Sketches of Undying Will? No? Well, the album was a pretty awesome mix of Anti-Flag, Black Sails-era AFI and a little bit of serious-sounding melodic hardcore, as un-awesome as that might sound to some. But it was, I promise you. It may have been the band's energy, passion or intensity that made the record such a winner--who knows, really. I recall this album with such a long, romantic reflection because No Regime's self-titled EP, while reminding me heavily of that particular band and album in sound and scope, fails to retain its winning characteristics and disappoints as a result.

There is, admittedly, something that sets this band apart, and that's a healthy dose of ska/reggae influence. It's basically their style for about half this EP, and they actually sound a little better on that plane, as when they cycle into the more raw punk parts, things suddenly sound lackluster and unimpressive. "Sick of Everything" makes for a perfect example of this, as there's promise inherent in the restrained but slightly distressed verses, but the more shouted, angsty chorus just sounds amateur and tired, with phoned-in "hey-hey"s backing it. There's a little more "umph" to "Make a Change," but something is still largely missing from what they do. Closer "Mr. Frilles" is the best take on what No Regime constitutes as punk, with a good pacing and some more interesting guitar work. But it seems like too little, too late.

No Regime either need to vastly improve their take on raw, melodic punk or find something else entirely that coalesces better with their ska parts. They've got a sincere social awareness about what they do, but the medium is weak.

DOWNLOAD/STREAM
No Regime EP