Bleeding Kansas
1859
Abacus Recordings

This is one of the more intriguing releases I've been given in some time. I had never heard of Bleeding Kansas before I got this EP to review. My initial thought was that this band is venturing into the territory that quite a few bands do today and often fail. They play a very disjointed form of hardcore/metal. It is a Botch meets Black Flag type of sound. To me, it could be said that their sound is a bit harder and more edgy but along the same lines as Boston hardcore act The Hope Conspiracy. Each song is completely different from the next. After a few listens, I was definitely into this album.

I would think that when a band releases such a chaotic album as "1859" that most people won't be into it, but like anyone in this type of genre, a genre Converge among others have perfected, it definitely takes a little while to warm up to the songs. "Dig Your Grave" is a perfect example. It has that piercing style, but it also has a very catchy melody in the middle and then gets all crazy again near the end of the song.

This EP is something special, because from one song to the next, you have no idea what kind of song you will get. "A simple Hello" is a typical metalcore song, and then out of nowhere, a breakdown comes and totally grabs your attention. Those are the little things that make an album strong.

The layout for this album is interesting to say the least. It's all about the Pro and Anti Slave movement of the 1850's. It's a little history lesson if you will. Definitely one of the more innovative layouts I've seen in some time. Kurt Ballou of Converge produced this record and the sound is very good on it.

I generally have to say I like the album for what it is. It's chaotic but gives you some time to step back, take in a deep breath and catch your second wind. Its a very good release from a band I had never heard of 2 weeks ago.

Reviewed by: Chris Buehler
Reviewed on: January 24, 2005