
Tremulous is a dark, severe album which punk needs in this current climate. After seeing what Matt could do with my vocals, I was blown away.”Īchieved. “They’re a hardcore band, but it sounds so big and well-produced. “The inspiration for Tremulous was From Ashes Rise’s Nightmares, which Matt produced,” vocalist Hall says. Bayles brings a frantic and vibrant sound to their music. Western Addiction recruited Matt Bayles to mix, Bayles has worked with noise metal bands such as Isis, Botch, and Mastodon.
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Produced by Joey Cape, they remain three OG members plus one new guy. The band is Jason Hall on vocals, Ken Yamazaki (also of Dead To Me) on guitar and Chad Williams on drums, as well as Tony Teixeira on guitar. Angry and noisy, with a few breaks of settled rhythms, the LP is produced cleanly while still embracing the snarl and grit which boast undeniable angst and energy. There are quieter moments which allow the album to breathe.

Musically caustic, most tracks confront and thrive to be unsettling. Western Addiction broke onto the scene with unyielding fury over a decade ago with their hardcore debut 'Cognicide.' Twelve years and two EPs later, Western Addiction is back with a brand-new album brimming with the same hardcore, explosive fervor they have become known for. “You’re cynical, is what they say / How could there be any other way?!” is a classic line. This track happens to house the nastiest bass work on the album, having a spastic fit. The Descendents comparison shines brightly on multiple songs musically and vocally, especially on “Red Emeralds” and the “Taedium”. Tremulous is a strong salute to Adolescents, Circle Jerks, Black Flag and Descendents. The bass work truly elevates the music which adores the forefathers of ’80s West Coast hardcore. Critical social and political statements elevate this from just the fun punk to boost at a party. But, this is harsh hardcore and not just redundant pop punk. They can certainly grab onto a riff and be catchy. Western Addiction has consistently stood out. Gritty basslines are the foundation for ire filled tracks.įat Wreck Chords has been repetitive in its wheelhouse, over saturated with common bands who sound alike to me. Gruff vocals definitely add the punch needed for this band’s sharp delivery.

Tremulous is a beefy return after eleven years, a grenade in the current climate. But, I felt the rest of the album, save “The Church of Black Flag”, just fell short to a solid but average punk record.

Their debut, Cognicide, had a stand out track that lured me, “When A Good Friend Attacks” – phenomenal track. Those words describe Tremulous rather well, to boot. Vinyl version includes digital download.“Clatter and Hiss” opens the album with piss and fire. At long last it can be said: Western Addiction is back.
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With the help of producer Joey Cape (Lagwagon), the 11 tracks that comprise "Tremulous" reach a new, melodic hardcore level on full display on songs like "Ditch Riders" and the single "Taedium." With additional input from original Western Addiction bassist (and Dead To Me frontman) Tyson Annicharico, as well as guest vocals from Propagandhi's Todd Kowalski Tremulous delivers the punch that long-time Western Addiction fans have been yearning for. The progression of the band is evident in the closing (five-and-a-half minute!) track "Your Life Is Precious " a harmonious tribute to the late Enemy You frontman David Jones. Older, wiser, but still just as pissed off. Despite the time and distance between albums, "Tremulous" picks up right where "Cognicide" left us. Western Addiction broke onto the scene with unyielding fury over a decade ago with their hardcore debut "Cognicide." Twelve years and two EPs later, Western Addiction is back with a brand-new album brimming with the same hardcore, explosive fervor they have become known for.
