Published on Dec 2, 2017
How about this: twenty-two years after the release of Manic Compression and a few comeback tours, hardcore pioneers Quicksand has returned with a more modern and mature-sounding record. But it’s a record that still manages to maintain a few of the band’s tried and true tricks. Although recorded as a trio without guitarist Tom Capone, Interiors finds the band having only gotten wiser with age. As a result, the sound is not as punishingly dense as previous records, but there’s still some good strong stuff here.
“Illuminant” has one of the best riffs of the year and is one of the best songs I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s such an excellent way to kick off a reunion record. “Under The Screw” is a great slowed down track, hardcore while still presenting the classic Quicksand sound.
“Cosmonauts” is another slow-burner but is still a good track with some really great vocals and excellent guitar work from Walter. The album’s title track is a raging number that showcases the band’s strengths and highlights everything that made them so powerful in the first place back in the day. Alan Cage’s drumming on “Sick Mind” is insanely impressive and proves how utterly underrated he is as a percussionist.
Unfortunately, not every track is a winner: “Fire This Time” comes across a bit dull and doesn’t do much to add to the overall vibe of the record. However, “Feels Like a Weight Has Been Lifted” more than makes up for any weak tracks and is just killer all the way around. It’s got vocals and nice, harried kind of tone.
Overall, while the tempos and vocal delivery have slowed down a bit, the band is still capable of knocking out some really great songs and reminding many just why they are considered godfathers of hardcore. This is one of the more interesting reunion records of the year.