As explosive as kerosene and tougher than a bivouac
A debut album is often little more than an indication of potential, attempting to establish a musical identity that is likely to be continually remoulded. This does not necessarily seem to be the case with 'Cold and Distant, Not Loving', as it appears that hardcore quartet Kerouac have hit the nail on the head with pleasing accuracy.
Even from the opening track 'Heavy Hearted,' it is evident that there is plenty to be getting excited about, as the introduction revs into gear and impressively boils with intensity. In an age of digital recording where artists seem to be unexplainably restricted to a fixed click-track, it is with great relief that the hardcore four-piece are breaking-free of this habit and exercising gradual tempo changes. Songs like 'Lay of Landfill' are delivered with tenacity and a sense of purpose, also illustrating that 21st Century music no longer has to be constructed in typical verse-chorus-verse-chorus fashion. Stick this in your pipe and smoke it, Simon Cowell.
'Pale' and [the latter half of] 'Our Fathers' Guns' are utterly remorseless, making for an intense listening experience. On occasions, the snare drumming in 'A Bastard Behind the Eyes' seems somewhat monotonous and momentarily lacks the furiousness of the remainder of the album, but Kerouac's music never dwells long enough for this to become a problem.
Hardcore music is certainly an acquired taste, but do not let the gritty harshness of Thom Denson's vocals distract from the incredibly crafted lyrics buried in Kerouac's music. Take a moment to absorb the lyrics of this album and you instantly discover the astounding poetic creativity flowing alongside the blaring drums and raucous guitars. Do not write this music off as thoughtless brutality because there is so much more to be found and appreciated within. Just don't expect the aggressive vocals to be countered with beautiful soaring melodies, as the emphasis here is on passionate rage and this focus is maintained to great effect.
Clocking in at less than 17 minutes, 'Cold and Distant, Not Loving' is undoubtedly a short album and will be over before you know it. However, this is partially a credit to the construction of the album, with the songs transitioning from one to the next with great ease. This is certainly a good argument for quality over quantity, with the British band delivering a concise, no-nonsense seven track venture. It is quite amazing to think that this four-piece only formed in the summer of '09 because they have already perfected a greatly promising sound. Kerouac could be set to tear the hardcore world apart.