EP REVIEW: Blessed With Less Than Nothing – Dripback

After their highly regarded full length debut Failed Futures, London’s DRIPBACK seemingly fell off the face of the earth. A combination of relocations and life commitments ground their momentum to a complete halt and it was a wonder whether they would ever be heard from again. Thankfully the genre splicing quintet are making their triumphant return in the shape of EP, Blessed With Less Than Nothing which is out now via 4 Family Records. Can they pick up where they left off?

The title track Blessed With Less Than Nothing blows off the cobwebs almost instantly with a wave of powerful riffs and intense drum beats. The pace picks up pretty sharply as DRIPBACK continue to showcase their effortless amalgamation of hardcore, punk and crushing heaviness. Forked Tongues charges forth with burly bass lines and a swift tempo. Caustic vocal bursts and energetic gang chants add another level of aggression to proceedings.

Lack Of Substance continues the unrelenting rampage and abrasive grittiness with pulsating drumming and towering riffs which would give NAPALM DEATH a run for their money. A beat-down segment of seismic proportions leaves its mark. Mouths Sewn Shut initially takes a more restrained approach with devastating doom laden guitar work before gearing up for another round of punishment. Crushing blast-beats with a side order of remorseless bludgeoning is the special of the day. Closing track Altered State Of Consciousness maintains the heightened adrenaline levels flowing with a compacted burst of misery drenched hardcore leaving an emphatic boot-print on your forehead.

It may have felt like a lifetime since DRIPBACK first shot to prominence but they haven’t missed a step with this effort. Blessed With Less Than Nothing is exactly the kind of statement which needed to be made and has dispelled any kind of concerns as to whether they could still hang with the heavy hitters. If you haven’t had the pleasure of their company yet prepare to have your head caved in.

Rating: 8/10

Blessed With Less Than Nothing is out now via 4 Family Records.

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