punk blossoming
into violence

Total Destruction (Matador)

Unsane

By Kevin Gibson

It isn't always easy to sum up an album in 250 words or fewer, but one word comes pretty close to pinpointing Unsane's most recent release, titled Total Destruction.

That word would be "violent."

Make no mistake, if ever there was violent hardcore punk rock, this is it. I'd say the title of this 12-song CD pretty much provides a hint, wouldn't you?

Wait 'til you see the cover: on the front is a late-model sedan with blood splattered across the front bumper; on the back is a view of the inside of another car, windshield smashed in and blood covering the glass, steering wheel, dashboard and seats.

If it sounds pretentious, well, it isn't. These are three New Yorkers who just play all-out, no-holds-barred, bass-heavy hardcore music the way they want to play it.

The album zips along at a frantic pace, playing just over 38 minutes total and allowing little room to catch one's breath in between cuts.

Personally, I liked "Straight," "Broke," and "Get Away" best, but don't take my word for it; pick up a copy and give it a whirl.