The Nintendo Entertainment System was a source of many fond memories for today's young adults, but it appears as though its influence was indelible to the members of Horse The Band. A snarling combination of skate punk, metal, and of all things late 1980's video game reminiscent keyboard parts, the band have helped to pioneer a style often dubbed as 'nintendocore' and "R. Borlax" is exactly that. Making what is technically their first full-fledged introduction to the public with this latest release; The band have stuck to their Zapper's, including songs like the Megaman inspired "Cutsman", which are sure to leave scene kids looking for the latest in brutality left scratching their shaggy heads.

Abrasive, chaotic and downright weird, Horse The Band initially make their mark with coarse punk vocals strewn about overtop of traditional metal riffing and hardcore rhythmic progressions. While this may sound entirely too familiar, the band then completely offset the entire mix with whirring keyboard parts that come off sounding like something out of Castlevania or Super Mario Bros. An odd combination to say the least, and yet it generally works out well for the band, bridging together their loose song structures with a nostalgic flair.

On the surface the bands implementation of their gaming meets early midi heritage might seem as nothing more than a gimmick, and in some regards it is, but despite this one can't help but feel compelled by their vigor and determination. Sure it may seem like they're a joke band, but there's heart involved and the group seem to really enjoy what they are doing, even if they do poke a bit of fun now and then. Unquestionably their brash and discordant nature will rub a lot of people the wrong way, and there's no chance they'll be winning any awards for cognitive song writing. But in a scene all too ready to sound exactly like their peers, it's nice to see that hardcore has a secret bonus level. "R. Borlax" - music to pump your PowerGlove to.