Review of Hoods - Pray For Death

Why can't good brutal death grow as fast as hardcore music is growing? I guess it's because hardcore is pretty basic & doesn't exactly demand the highest caliber of musicians. Hoods supports my theory. Hardcore like this thrives on the all too prevalent "urban angst". And christ how many times have I seen song titles like "I Hate You" and "Lies"? More than enough. Truthfully, hardcore would've done a lot more for me back when I was 18,19,20. Blinded by confusion and anger, and ready to spout "FUCK" at any punk who disagreed w/ me, the lyrics and breakdowns quite possibly could've wrapped my attention up and put a lock on it. Fortunately, my tastes have evolved to the point where brushing off simpleton rage like this is second nature. Hoods' main strength is their solid guitar tone, much like Crowbar's, but not nearly as downtuned. Unfortunately, 3 or 4 chords can only save you for so long, and that's where the obvious breakdown comes in. They have their moments for a second or 2, but when ALL of your guitarwerk is composed of power chords not venturing above the 5th fret, your breaks lose potency. And when you command respect in every verse of every song from rival gang members, you're not going to get it. It's the same lyrical ideas behind werthless fucking "gangsta" rap "music" and I loathe it vehemently. The only way you'll get respect around here is if you engineer quality music in a professional manner.
Pray For Death has quality production that is solid, crisp, and clear. Like I stated before, guitar tone is the focal point and projects strength but the guitarwerk is beginner basic. Boring is an understatement, but if you're a misunderstood street roller than crucial ingredients like that won't even phase you. Dual vox compliment the simplicity w/ a basic scruffy growl & the angry yelling punk thinking he has something to say. Songs can range from a faster punk-driven pace to slower chunk breaks, but it's just GOTTA HAVE THE BOUNCE FACTOR! Make sure those kids can bounce up and down w/ a frown on their faces!
Ridiculously simplistic and predictable sums up this album. Target audience is high school or high school dropout kids who have problems being understood by their peers or rivals. "5455" has a classic clip at the beginning, and I wonder if it describes Hoods, Hardcore, or just the entire hardcore audience. Either way, you can always count on Emilio for a good laugh w/ his blunt nature.

Release Details

Hoods

Pray For Death

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