Search - Hardknox :: Hardknox

For what it is, this cd is untouchable

Cole Robinson | 11/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although not an artistic masterpeice, for all its sheer enjoyment I'd give this cd a 8/10.



One of the previous reviewers wasn't too fond of this CD and talked about sampling and all that. The truth is he is very correct. I get off on analyzing electronic production and Hardknox has a very shoddy sound. Maybe they use looped beats, maybe it sounds a tad amature at times (though these occasions are few and far between), but their are some decent bass riffs and beat manipulation which is admirable. And even though this album is heavily filtered and all lo-fi'd out, it still has a studio polished sound, as in it doesnt sound like it came of your buddies 8-track.



But what I feel many people overlook is that despite this cd's relative simplicity, Hardknox set out with a sound in mind and they hit the nail on the head. This cd is one of the hardest and abrasive electronic albums you'll ever find. Not to mention the songs are all quite catchy, which in itself is a difficult trait to incorporate into production.



That aside, let me just say though that a cd need not be brilliant to be abso-crappin-lutely excellent, which I find this cd to be.



If you like really hard, loud, strong beats, this album is untouchable. I like every song on this cd (for the most part), and it was one of the most rewarding on-the-fly purchases i've ever made. It's got a really sick grungy sound, and its just great pumpup music. This is not to mention that everyone I've EVER played this cd for totally rocks out to it: it is just straight up excellent. And figuring that this cd can be bought on amazon marketplace for under a dollar at the time of this writing, It is more than worth it.



The only tracks I have gripe with is Track 5 (gets old after a while) and the final track, which is a weak remix of Atitude and just doesnt fit with the rest of the album. My personal favorite is track 4, which is a massive dark tune with DNB bass at breaks speed, and turns absolutely frenetic half way through.



If you are looking for an artistic journey, or are just stuck on an elitist pedastal and huff at simplicty, look elsewhere. But if you like the cut-up sound or just want something harder than Fatboy Slim, do yourself a favor and GET THIS CD."

This is a fantastic CD

S. Jacobs | marong.vic.au | 05/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Proctor and Lindy Layton have done a brilliant job creating a CD that is chock full of aggressive breaks. Yes yes it may not be perfectly aligned but thats what makes it incredibly beautiful. Mad, hard, crazy.



The standout track is definitely 'Coming Back With A Sword'. Very Edgy and the high pitched sounds chopping and sweeping later make for a few very intense moments.



This is by far one of the most amazing CD's just going ballistic and rocking out. I saw Hardknox do a live gig at the Big Day Out a couple of years ago and it was memorable and confronting at the same time. I hope we see more releases from the school of Hardknox in the future. The last release I remember is 'Body Go' from the Rollerball Soundtrack.



Top Stuff!"