EP REVIEW: Wrong Generation – Fever 333

Such was the impact of their debut full length record Strength In Numb333rs, that FEVER 333 could have stayed out of the studio for another year yet. With that said, the social landscape we currently sit in called for their return – and they were never going to shy away. Written from the perspective of vocalist Jason Aalon Butler‘s 13 days protesting against police brutality in LA, Wrong Generation is a direct, harrowing, brilliant first hand tale of one of the movements of our lifetime.

In essence, Wrong Generation goes beyond music. The content of Butler‘s episodic tale would be fit to stand as a panorama dramatisation, we’re just lucky it’s been put to a hip hop/modern metal soundtrack. As openly confrontational as you’d demand – EP opener Bite Back grits its way through a thudding riff while Jason enforces his classic rasp to proceedings. You feel the heat of the riots as he beckons “they’ll do it over and over until we bite back!” before a gaslighting breakdown.

The double jab of Block Is On Fire and the title track take a different, no less rampant approach. Utilising the kind of backdrop N.W.A would have eaten up had Straight Outta Compton been released this side of the century, the two propose attitude over distortion. Fortunately the bands versatility (which has been present since day one) gives them the same striking power from multiple stances. Drummer Aric Improta remains vital as ever – with his role on the latter song switching from fairly limited to multi pronged as he slams through a barrage of beats as Jason makes his “you fucked with the wrong generation” proclamation.

At its core, Wrong Generation is an endless, profound list of poignant lyrical slants and pace turns. As certain as taxes and death, there’s a perspective offering verdict in every song. And much of the lyrical content here would be as suitable tattooed on someone’s skin as it would being broadcasted to the masses on the 6PM news. But even when the trio aren’t wrapping their calls for social justice in an incendiary package, the EP remains potent.

Hitting its peak as it bows out – The Last Time and Supremacy add solemn reality to Wrong Generation. Butler‘s astonishing vocal range is put on display in both ballad, and chorus leading form. And after six shots of pulsating social commentary, the final blows of the EP are delivered with fitting, hook laden melodies.

When FEVER 333 announced the existence of Wrong Generation – you knew to trust them with it. Few bands are more suited to putting their fight for justice to tape as professionally, and as flawlessly as the three piece are. The band have taken a subject matter that is bigger than not only any one artist, but music in general and have glossed it in a finish that makes it appropriate for fans of metal, hip hop, grime, punk, human rights, and equality. The fight may only just be beginning, but with bands like FEVER 333 at the helm, we’re ready for it.

Rating: 8/10

Wrong Generation is out now via Roadrunner Records/333 Wreckords Crew.

Like FEVER 333 on Facebook.