Review: Numbskull: Live @ AMH

Long Island based Hardcore outfit Numbskull recently recorded a live set from their show with Incendiary. Personally attending this show, I can say that people gave a lot more of a shit about them here than they did from what I saw at Black and Blue Bowl. The crowd was so much more engaged and into the music, which is very refreshing considering the innumerable local acts which are in my honest opinion very talented, having now crowd enthusiasm what so ever. These guys are committed, and I believe full of potential. With the new release coming up soon from them, I expect they'll gain even more fans than they currently have.

This live recording includes the tracks Bleach and Inside Out from their self titled 2014 release, Dirt and Step Out from their 2013 release Smash 13' and Nerve Burn which is a track off of their upcoming release. All the tracks are generally, very aggressive and crunchy, following in lieu of other hardcore bands such as Trapped Under Ice, Incendiary, they also have a very similar style to Expire on their Grim Rhythm EP and Pendulum Swings which the band's instrumentation particular beckons to  the aforementioned Grim Rhythm EP. Simply put this is a great, traditional hardcore release, everything about it is pleasing audibly and most definitely in your fucking face, however nothing special. The breakdowns sound like any other hardcore band in the genre, as do the guitar progressions, bass grooves and drum patterns. However I believe that where this band comes in with something unique is their execution.                                                                                                        The energy and conviction this band gives off is almost hard to miss. During their set opening up for Code Orange, Living Laser and Incendiary, I was into the music but more into the band's stage performance. Vocalist Michael Smith's energy is very reminiscent of Brendan from Turnstile or Wally from Rotting Out. Perhaps with this band's new release, they'll bring even more solid tracks to the scene, and with them a unique energy that could revitalize a seemingly plateaued scene here on Long Island.



Tracks: 6.5/10- overall very good, well executed traditional hardcore, however nothing that strikes me as very unique or mind blowing.
Live performance 9/10- Very impressed with how this band carries themselves live, for a local outfit, they carry themselves like a professional, long time touring band.

Numbskull's Bandcamp
Numbskull's live recording from their show with Incendiary, Code Orange and Living Laser