STRENGTH APPROACH - All The Plans We Made Are Going To Fail
Although Italian hardcore band Strength Approach was founded already in 1996, All The Plans We Made Are Going To Fail is only their second album so far. They recorded it in Rome, but had it mastered in New York, a city that shaped their chosen genre. Originally the CD came out already in 2008, now the Australian re-release on Pee Records features three bonus tracks: one new track and cover versions from Black Flag (Rise Above) and Sick Of It All (Pushed Too Far).
The cover versions ending the CD are of course a pleasant gimmick, but the band’s own material is also highly enjoyable. The songs are all quite short, always getting instantly to the point, as should be customary for a hardcore band. Everything is kept very simple, but there is a never ending rush of energy that feels totally authentic. Despite the high velocity, there is also an undeniable punk influence that allows for melodic touches. Comparisons to Gang Green, Gorilla Biscuits, Black Flag and other scene giants are definitely allowed. Nostalgic hardcore fans will certainly get their money’s worth.
One also can’t complain about a lack of variety. The band is acting in a most hurried way on Every End Has A Start, while other pieces come with gang shouts reminding a little of Biohazard. The hymn My Life Is A Side Project works just great, only the bizarre sounds after the fifteenth track ending the original version of the CD don’t really fit.
You can’t really accuse Strength Approach of being overly original, but that doesn’t change the fact that All The Plans We Made Are Going To Fail is one of the most vital hardcore albums of the last few years. The five Italians constantly act uncomplicated and spontaneous, travelling thirty years into the past and getting the hearts of old school hardcore fans beat faster. Good work, guys!