It’s not surprising that this band doesn’t take itself too seriously. Horrible Idea wastes no time delivering anthems of punk, thrash, and hard rock, all at the same time. It sounds like a hopped up version of Blink-182 meets Black Fag. Did I mention they do ska as well? And that their album named Orange Four-Inch Door Hinge is about as ridiculously inapplicable as you would think? These self-proclaimed clowns of hardcore are having a blast mixing high-energy tunes with comedic antics. See them live and get a taste. Since 2001, Horrible Idea has been taking it to streets, the studio and the stage, all the while taking in more than a decade’s worth of punk rock princes and princesses that have come and gone.
It’s apparent that this album was fashioned for their live show. Blistering guitar runs and blast beats shoot through chugging rock facades left and right. They know their strengths and aren’t afraid to throw them in the mix whenever they feel like it. Equally musical and physically demanding, Horrible Idea commands attention whether it’s well received or not. I can picture them at a dusty outdoor festival just causing gleeful mayhem within the crowded youth. “Shh…Death” is easily my favorite cut. It leaves aside the ska, but encompasses every other element of their party till you puke rock. Imagine a fiery blend of speed, riffs and guitar porn. The main riff is a solid 3 against 4 and it just hits you right in the chest. I like how the drums outline those punches, but I wish they deviated to a slamming straight rock beat on the follow up passage. Then even half time? That’s the kind of stuff that breaks necks with just sheer awesomeness. The songs are all too aptly named, “The Skankist” is a like a harder Less Than Jake or slightly immature Sublime, take your pick. The guitar line is cool, but thin and even sort of cheap sounding. The off beat chick of rhythm for the verses are right where they should be, I just think that tone carried over too much into an area where the distortion could have lingered. And last but not least, “Freebird.” I thought it was possibly a frenetic punk cover of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. Don’t get your hopes up. It’s frenetic all right, but an original ripping of sonic skin. I think this could have been put earlier in the track listing. Then again, knowing the way these guys work, I’m sure they’re just messing with me.
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