ZABØGART - Antek Ass-sing

Known for their views regarding corporate greed, government corruption, and anti-discrimination themes, the diy punk ethos runs deep and reflects frustrations felt within their scenes and communities. While serious in the lyrical approach, there is a slight comical vibe embedded into the mood that balances well against the topics of more socio-political nature.

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Short, fast, and loud. An EP of eight blistering explosions of chaotic fastcore power-violence compressed into about 5 minutes, it conveys an urgency for the listener to heed the messages and embrace their dynamic. Abrasive vocals, buzzy guitars, and rapid-fire snare work, complimented with the addition of bursts of noise makes for intensely compact listening. 

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Honest and raw, the energy of this recording takes pride over finding heaviness, as the band’s own political critiques and cynical narratives form the basis of power within their delivery. While each track of this release stands tall, there are several standouts among the short sharp blasts; Alerta Pt.2 (Kacung Oligarki) - Anonim opens with what sounds like an old tv broadcast intro before tearing into an overdose of adrenalized fury, while Mimpi Buruk Jadi WNI exchanges stompy hardcore catchiness to blasty chorales of punishing cymbal abuse. Makan Basi Gratis delivers snarkier high-tempo chaos rushed with harsh squeals of noise, and Salah Tangkap closes proceedings with a lightning strike of blazing stop-start crasher crust. Overall, this EP flows with much pace and vigour as the sonic experience imbues a hurried sense of political anger and fiscal anxiety

Raising interest across many time zones, ZABØGART will have the radars of those into Charles Bronson, Crossed Out, Yacopsae, Lack of Interest, and Iron Lung seeking audience with this EP on top of the band’s already lengthy back catalogue. Antek Ass”sing” hones extremity and velocity that results in a stripped back, ear shredding experience underlined with collective pride and hardcore punk passion.

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SCORE 8.5/10

Reviewed by glennosp