Here we have the debut album from Toronto thrash/hardcore/punk crossover outfit The Slime, with 11 tracks clocking in at just over 15 minutes. I confess I loved the cover which is why I grabbed this when it was available, and you know what? I am glad I did. With a cover like this, songs lasting well under a minute, and an obvious sense of humour, one knows from the off that what we have here is a band who are out to have a good time, and I am sure their audiences always feel the same way. “Moving Target” sounds like it is coming at us straight from the Bay Thrash scene of 40 years ago, while the opening film clip on “Washout Revenge” makes the listener smile before being beaten into punk oblivion.
Credit must be given to producer Dylan Frankland, and Will Killingsworth who mastered it as somehow, they have kept the hardcore feeling and provided the crunch of the guitars and never let it get too lightweight. Too many hardcore bands become parodies of themselves when allowed into a studio, but that is not the case here as the band have been playing for the last six years with virtually the same line-up and it shows. This is tight, energetic, powerful and in your face from the first note to the very last. The only major issue with this is that even for a hardcore album it is way too short, and we want more! This is hardcore which is looking back for influences and then driving forward to create a crossover sound which will appeal to many. If you like the genre, then you will certainly enjoy this.
Rating: 8/10
