Album Review: Demo II by Recide – A Raw Slice of Punk and Hardcore Energy
Released in 2012 under the US-based label Not Normal Tapes, Demo II by Recide is an unpolished gem that captures the raw essence of punk and hardcore. Recorded by Cory M., this six-track album punches hard with its gritty production and relentless energy. It’s not perfect—in fact, it wears its imperfections proudly—but it resonates as a testament to DIY ethics and uncompromising creativity.
The opening track, “Alignment,” sets the tone immediately. It’s chaotic yet calculated, blending driving riffs with a vocal delivery that feels like controlled chaos. The song grabs your attention because it doesn’t overstay its welcome; at just over two minutes, it hits fast and leaves you wanting more. The interplay between distortion-heavy guitars and pounding drums creates a wall of sound that feels both suffocating and exhilarating—a hallmark of great hardcore music.
Another standout is “Displaced.” This one sticks for different reasons. While still firmly rooted in punk aggression, there’s something haunting about the way the melody twists and turns. You can almost hear frustration bleeding through every note. Maybe it’s the abrupt shifts in tempo or the dissonant chords scraping against each other, but “Displaced” lingers long after the final crash cymbal fades out. It’s messy, yeah, but isn’t that kind of the point?
Tracks like “Before False” and “Statues” keep the momentum going, though they don’t quite reach the same heights as the first two. Still, they serve their purpose—hammering home the band’s commitment to no-frills rock ‘n’ roll. Each song seems designed to be played live, where imperfections become part of the experience rather than flaws to fix.
What makes Demo II memorable isn’t technical mastery—it’s attitude. Recide doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel here; instead, they kick it down the road, dents and all. If anything, the rough edges give the album character. Listening to it feels like stumbling into a dingy basement show where everyone’s sweating and screaming along even if they don’t know the words.
In hindsight, Demo II might not change your life, but it will remind you why punk and hardcore matter. Music doesn’t always need to be polished or profound to leave an impact. Sometimes, it just needs to feel real—and damn, does this record feel real.
Final thought? If these guys ever reunite for a tour, bring earplugs… and maybe a helmet.
