WhatzUp

Dead Ends, Dead Friends
AXP
by Chris Hupe

AXP

Dead Ends, Dead Friends

AXP, a hardcore quintet out of Warsaw, recently released their debut album, Dead Ends, Dead Friends, on an independent Canadian label called Harvest Earth Records.

When talking about hardcore it now seems necessary to define the type of hardcore a band plays in order to distinguish the recently popular and over-saturated metalcore bands from the old school hardcore acts that most people know. Simply, if bands like Hatebreed, First Blood and Madball are names you are familiar with and like, then AXP is going to be something you are going to want to try. For those of you who don’t know, this is old school NYHC, so consider yourselves forewarned – AXP are on the loose.

Recorded at the T. Bush Record Plant and produced by local legend Tim Bushong, AXP blister through 10 songs of pure aggression on Dead Friends. Beginning with the first note of the aptly titled “First” and ending with the last note of the equally aptly titled “Last,” AXP want to leave no doubts that they are serious about what they have to say. These five guys play an aggressive type of music seldom heard in area bands and do it as well as a lot of bands that are known nationally. Standout tunes include “Fake Blood,” which lets us know that people without integrity will be beaten down and ostracized; “Crackin’ Heads,” which is, believe it or not, an inspiring song about rising up against all odds; and “Hoosier Boys,” which leaves no doubt about where these boys call home.

Most of the songs on Dead Friends are relatively short, which isn’t a total surprise, as it tends to be a signature of the genre as a whole. The disc clocks in at a mere 22 minutes, but I have always been a believer in the “less is more” philosophy, choosing “killer” over “filler” every time, so this isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

The musicianship of AXP is above average, with a hard-driving guitar leading the way through each song, as well as clean but growling vocals from singer Zak Coffman. The intensity is fierce, and after a few listens to this CD you should not only be inspired by the positive lyrics, but you should also be encouraged to hear that a hardcore band with great songwriting skills exists in this area of Indiana.

This is a must-have album for those who love old school hardcore music or for people who just need to get some aggression out of their system. With Dead Ends Dead Friends, AXP show they are a force in this area and beyond. (Chris Hupe)