Braindead - No Consequences

Braindead is band that I've been sleeping on for awhile. I've heard a lot of praise for the band, but up until now I have neglected to really take the time to listen to their music fully. Braindead is from the Philadelphia region. They released a 7" demo in 2006, a split 7" with Blackbirds in 2007 and earlier this year, they self-released their first full-length album 'No Consequences', with BurnBridges Records.

Braindead is quite a diverse sounding hardcore band, blending mixtures of more traditional hardcore with some rock stylings, and ambient, more experimental parts. It makes me think of what a band like Hopesfall would sound like if they came into the scene at this time in music. There is not so much emphasis on heavy as there is on melody, and the songwriting in general is much more complex than a lot of bands of today.

'No Consequences' is a great album. There is a lot of variety here without the record seeming disjointed, there are extended ambient instrumental parts that come straight out of what most people expect with a hardcore album, and there are a lot of fresh ideas throughout that are applied well. Some parts of this record almost seem like a different band entirely, but they all fit. The track "Guilt And Shame", almost seems like it could be an Alkaline Trio song, but it just melds perfect with the album that they've crafted. 'Dear Allison' is a very well executed instrumental interlude towards the end of the album that breaks up the intensity without killing it.

While the sound and production of the album is questionable at time, the musicianship of the band definitely makes up for it. The band is obviously very talented, the guitars are varied and singing, the vocals just ooze passion, and those things really carry this album. It might seem over too quick, but I think that is a compliment to the music, especially with 2 longer mostly instrumental tracks in the mix.

Braindead is really on to something, and if you've been like me and been sleeping on this band, I suggest you get up and check them out. They're great, and I am very eager to see what is coming next.

Braindead on MySpace
BurnBridges Records