Review Summary: Have we just reached peak Squashcore?
If you ask Andy Slania, the vocalist and brainchild of The Eradicator, just like a tight shot to the back corner of the court, not only have we reached peak squashcore, but we've struck a winner.
For those who are unenlightened on the origin of The Eradicator will have to go back to the 90's Canadian sketch comedy show Kids in the Hall. The Eradicator was a balaclava-ski-mask wearing squash player-cum-wannabe super villain, if you want a laugh look it up on YouTube.
So what has this got to do with hardcore punk, and how did we get a new sub-genre of squashcore or squash punk?
Well, why not?
The absurdity of making squash themed hardcore punk in the style of Andrew W.K. fused with Sick Of It All, is as refreshing as it is comedic. But don't let the unique subject matter throw you off, this is, hot-balls to the walls (that's a squash pun), catchy, melodic, punk.
At times the lyrics seem ridiculous, as on the outstanding onslaught, Homesick “I'm getting homesick, I'm not on center cout, it's days and days away” but at other times the lyrics come across more personal and have numerous meanings, such as the forehand-hit single, I'mma Be Me;
“I don't feel like I'm living with the rest of society,
I won't bend to the rules of normality,
I've got my interests, I've got my living, I've got my drive, I've got my tool,
I've got no ***s to give about your opinion of me,
Because I live in the world that i want to."
The Eradicator's aggressive punk owes a lot to the energy and angry vocal delivery of Slania, who would not look out of place fronting more serious hardcore punk. On the album, guitarist Steve Maury switches bwtween catchy power pop, and melodic hardcore riffs effortlessly, whereas the bass and drumming take a backseat.
It is Slania, former member of Milwaukee's Galactic Cannibal, who is front and centre-court of The Eradicator, often performing solo during live sets, and it his passion and fandom of the Kids in the Hall skit that is the heart and soul of this project.
With Peak Eradicator, the bands second full length, there is so much to delve into. Whether it be the squash-themed lyrics, the melodic catchy songs, or the deeper meanings behind the tracks The Eradicator may have reached peak, but as long as Slania believes he is The Eradicator, than there is a lot more fun to be had. So put on your tightest short shorts. Don the wristbands and head band. Grab your racket, and get ready to beat it across your skull to The Eradicator.
