Those hungry for a dosage of snarling punk-infused metal that serves as a call to arms to dismantle all that big business has built could find much solace in what New Dead Radio have carved out for themselves here. Before even closing the opening track the band are already barking out orders to "go fuck your stereo" and "go fuck your television", and such sentiments pretty much set the course for the rest of "Avalon Bridge Will Burn".
The production is raw and direct, the vocals are brashly screamed and the guitars remain barbed and elastic. A blunt rhythm section keeps everything in check and has a loose feel that fits well with the overall stripped down aesthetic. Still, there's no denying the comparisons to groups like Amen and Refused, as much of New Dead Radio's playlist has already been programmed before.
But that's not to say the included songs aren't without merit. New Dead Radio do take some risks and go so far as to throw in a few keys, even if they do generally only subsist off of their own social and political vehemence. Ultimately, much of this album is a bit too simplistic and repetitive to cause the blazing inferno the band would like. But if the instrumentation can match the acidic intensity of the vocals on future efforts, Clear Channel might just have a problem on their hands.
(3 / 5)
wookubus