EP REVIEW: Waste – Worn Out

Following in the footsteps of the likes of BAILER and BITTER PILL, WORN OUT are the latest band to fly the flag for Irish hardcore in 2021. With just a few singles, the Cork-based four-piece have made a solid name for themselves since their 2017 formation. Looking to take that further still, they’re self-releasing Waste, their debut EP, on December 3rd. It takes its cues from all the right places, making for 15 minutes of razor sharp metallic hardcore.

Eager to show listeners what they’re made of, WORN OUT wear their influences pretty firmly on their sleeves throughout Waste. The artwork alone instantly evokes the legendary CONVERGE – a comparison which carries over to the music as well. It’s also hard not to hear shades of bands like CANCER BATS and EVERY TIME I DIE here – both very good things. Of course, these comparisons can obscure a sense of WORN OUT’s own identity, but that’s hardly the rarest or biggest problem for a debut record, especially one as invariably strong as this.

As for the songs themselves, the four tracks on Waste all operate in a similarly high octane gear. The title track kicks things off in furious fashion, a three and a half minute flurry of chaotic crusty violence. Its riffs and breakdowns hit with huge, swaggering force, while vocalist Xander Coughlan exhibits a constant attack dog savagery. Lead single Miles Away follows in a similar vein, this one mustering even more groove behind Coughlan’s especially tortured vocals. Blind Eye after that is arguably even bleaker, while Force Of Habit rounds things out with one final rager. Granted, it’s not the most varied fare – dynamic or otherwise – but the execution is never less than solid. Aidan Cunningham’s production lends the band plenty of beef, while still capturing enough grit to give this a live-ready feel.

As debuts go, it’s hard to ask much more of Waste. It sees WORN OUT plant their flag firmly in the ground as yet another up and coming hardcore band that are well worth keeping an eye on. While their identity will no doubt take more shape in the years to come, the quality of what’s on offer here should keep listeners coming back for now. Crucially, with ambitious touring plans for 2022, you can count on hearing WORN OUT‘s name a whole lot more going forward.

Rating: 8/10

Waste is set for release on December 3rd via self-release.

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