I still remember how the first Paint It Black ‘cva’ really struck me. It was just hardcore, plain and simple, but it kicked so much ass and had this early Black Flag anger that I love so dear. Now the follow-up “paradise” doesn’t leave the chosen path in search for a new yellow brick road. But it is obvious that the band has developed. They elaborated their style.

Still hardcore in the early 80s sense rules the paradigm but the short jaunts to less confrontational, more melodic passages have become more frequent. The lyrics however are still frontal assaults covering topics like wage labour, diverse US-related political topics and again and again the mantra of never giving up. Seems like I’m not the only who has to constantly re-convince himself of the possibility of a life less shitty.

All in all a good record fuelled by a lot of anger but – the band may excuse – I still like ‘cva’ better for it somehow has a higher density both in sound as in energy in my eyes. However thumbs up for a band that manages to stay individual within the narrow yard of hardcore. Oh, and that green colour in the artwork is awesome!  [jan]

www.paintitblack.org