Formed from the ashes of such denizens of Leeds’ DIY scene as Year Of The Man and Whores Whores Whores, False Flags certainly make themselves known on new mini-album ‘Hexmachine’. But with a name that sounds like an Anti-Flag tribute band, their sound couldn’t be more different – this is hardcore in its most feral, violent form.
Much of ‘Hexmachine’ brings to mind elements of such hardcore luminaries as Botch or Genghis Tron, mainly in its refusal to be tamed in any way. ‘Fate (Has A Driver)’ is about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the temple, while ‘Pet Wolf’ fuses supremely acute riffs with Chris Jenkinson’s unhinged vocal delivery for a prime example of just how vital underground music can be in 2015.
It’s certainly an acquired taste and it doesn’t always completely click – the meeting of sludge and hardcore in ‘Namedropper’ certainly falls short of excellent – but if you’re curious to hear the missing link between Every Time I Die and Botch, then False Flags are the band for you. And really, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t want to hear that.
3.5/5
‘Hexmachine’ by False Flags is released on 20th November.
False Flags links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Words by Luke Nuttall(@nuttall_luke)
