InRetrospect
Aggro – The Mixtape
Passion Eight Records
Despite a sound that fuses djent, rap and nu-metal, the quintet who comprise InRetrospect operate as a unified force. Rolling their disparate inspirations into a tightly wound ball of aggression, the band’s latest release is a groove-laden affair that fractures sound in all directions (just like the mirror ball which graces the cover). InRetrospect cite acts such as Limp Bizkit and Skindred as influences and while they’re good points of reference, the band definitely have their own thing going on and if you need proof, look no further than opening salvo ‘Sweardown’. Fusing hip hop beats and metalcore breakdowns, the result is as explosive as you’d expect, yet that wrecking ball swing is ever present and ensures that no matter how heavy things get there’s always a melodic sensibility underpinning proceeding. That focus on melody is vitally important because these six tracks operate with caps rage; from the song titles to the sound contained within, Aggro – The Mixtape gets right in the listener’s face like a street brawler looking for trouble. Subsequently, by the time we reach closer ‘My.Own.Skin’ we’re left battered and bruised (but in the best way), but I suggest you prepare yourself for the next round; these guys are going to be around for a while.
Reviewed By Peter Dennis.