This is the follow-up to a couple of decent eps by The Estranged, who are ex- Hellshock and Remains of the Day. But, you'd never know this band had a Portland crust lineage. Instead, they follow an older Portland tradition left by The Wipers: Choppy sung lyrics, great inter-play between bass and guitar, and really cool melodies. Some of the melodic parts remind me of Joy Division and the Cure, without losing the punk edge. I think this tops the eps, and will really grow on me. Usually those are the best records--the ones that take a few listens.
euro pressing
