The thunderous D-Beat in all its simplistic punk glory is not only a trademark which will hook any leather clad discharge fanatic but has that infectious tick that often results in you endlessly tapping your feet. One such band who opts for this mesmerising percussive standard is Swedens very own crusted d-beat purveyors Victims.
A Dissident is their 5th full length lashing of hardcore consisting of a 13 track release totalling just shy of the half hour mark. Broadly speaking their d-beating philanthropy is a direct contrast to the normal caustic punk approach associated with d-beat and crust marauders, opting for an acute harmonious flow of melody to stream alongside the thudding Tom bashing.
Gracefully shredding from one congenial passage to the next, it places much emphasis on a guitar centric blissful serenade, whilst still retaining that punk outlandishness constituted by thick slabs of punk chord progression and screamed lyrics. Production quality shines wonderfully offering a clean and crisp sound, greatly benefiting the tidy flow of punk that whimsically flows from the fine string shifting resonance.
Overall a greatly crafted album, however not for one and all, a lack of drumming styles (well it figures since they are a d-beat band) and a general lackluster aggression to it, will certainly alienate those who like their punk loud and angry in true crusted fashion, whereas those who are more welcoming to the likes of Wolfbrigade, will have an instant liking to the syrupy sweet Swedish punk it radiates. For those tranquil moments you just want to chillax this is the album for those moments.
