Named after a time period where slavery and uprisings ran rampant, Bleeding Kansas's "1859" has an almost eerie relevance to it in today's politically divided climate. Interestingly enough, the thematic lyrics taken from this timeframe also lend themselves greatly to the bands discordant punk/hardcore hybrid, which this time around features production by none other than Converge's Kurt Ballou.

Bleeding Kansas, have no problem channeling the spirit of punks forefathers and inserting that sense of grating recklessness into their metallic assault. Their name alone refers to an era where abolitionists and slavers had no problem murdering each other in the name of their cause. Suffice it to say, this outfit have a bit more to talk about than their experiences in high school and failed relationships. Sounding somewhere along the lines of a more socio-politically motivated Breather Resist or Converge, the vocals are shouted out like impassioned pleas, while seemingly impromptu waves of metal and hardcore dissonance crash in and fade out underneath them.

It's a fiery and volatile mixture to be sure and one that sounds refreshingly dangerous as a result of just how close it is to falling apart. But while their aggression is well-placed and inspiring, the loose nature with which the band express themselves does leave something to be desired. It's disjointed to the point of sounding hollow in places, and while the bands palpable hunger does carry them on, its grasp on the listeners attention eventually begins to wane due to its jagged repetitiveness. Even so, there is still more substance and creative dynamic energy on display here than there is in the bulk of what's out there, suggesting that maybe their peers should have paid more attention in their history and social studies classes as well.