Flush It Friday: Short-Form Hardcore
EPs for OGs.
Denver’s Eyes of Salt plays a kind of metallic/melodic hardcore that is as politically virile as Incendiary as it is emotionally raw as Comeback Kid. “There’s no war but class war / And there will always be more of us than them,” avers vocalist Gary Cherny on “The People are Hungry.” This spirit of rebellion, unity, and self-reflection infuses the entirety of Collapse of the Infinite, from the bouncy “Hiding Behind Comfort” through the thrashy “Melt” to the anthemic closer “Flower of Pain.” A thoughtful and talented band meeting the moment with force and conviction. What more could you want?
What you love most to see in a young band is an immediate delivery on their earliest promises. California’s Said and Done released a strong demo in 2025 and has already improved on it with Ventura County Straight Edge, released in late July via legendary Indecision Records. “Why I Yell,” a standout track, sounds like Righteous Jams on a crossover tip. “Full of Hate” and “My Reason” are all Right Brigade and early Mental. “Trust Me” snarls like Outbreak. When I listen to “Nothing Like Me,” I can feel a Sharpie drawing Xs on my hand. Long live the Edge.
Out today on Daze, Recollection’s Intrusive Thoughts is 4 heart-rending earworms exploring the delicate, enormous moments that add up to a life. On this short EP, Recollection has bottled up the sound of Fucked Up’s 2011 David Comes to Life in all its narrative richness and melodic splendour, adding the jangly punk vibes of Hüsker Dü. Recollection features a bunch of tough dudes from tough bands (Rude Awakening, Skinhead, Criminal Instinct, Hammer Bros, Life’s End, Hard Ca$h), but who would know such a thing on “Son”? “The sun will shine and flower’s bloom and I’m so glad I finally found you.”
Let’s Flush!
Stick‘s got TMP. Spear‘s got TTT. Invaluable resources!
Toilet Radio 640 features Joe ‘n Jordan reminding us about a lot of things that shouldn’t be things anymore are still, in fact, things.
I had questions. Brian Cook had (incredible) answers. Russian Circles‘ Nine is out today, y’all.
That’s it, folks! It feels good to be back in the Bowl. Share your GBUs in the comments. And just remember, on the eve of football season: your teams suck and mine don’t. (Oh god why can’t I stop watching this wretched sport?)
