Review: Still Crossed

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Still Crossed
“Love and Betrayal”
(Indecision Records)

I’ve noticed I type faster when I’m reviewing a hardcore band.  I’ve also noticed I drink more when I’m reviewing a straight edge album.  Right now my keyboard is on fire and I’m drunk as your Uncle Al, so that should tell you something about Still Crossed.  This is good hardcore, though, don’t get me wrong.

Everything is mixed properly, so the guitars aren’t too far back, leaving you to combat the deafening roar of the singer with nothing between you and him but the volume button.  Nope, “Love and Betrayal” sounds like older, less-melodic-more-preachy Good Riddance, which is a pretty nice compliment if you sit down and really think about it.

With thirteen tracks at just over two minutes a pop, Still Crossed keep the energy level high and the beats fast and furious, without ever sounding like they’re recording the same song over and over.  Sure, a lot of the lyrics are about the predicable “fight” against those who enjoy beer/casual sex/drugs (how could they?) and how hard it is to live in this non-straight edge world, but that’s to be expected, isn’t it?

You might not agree with it, but that’s their opinion and they’re entitled to it.  As far as straight edge goes, this is about as good as it sounds.