Search - Maximum Penalty :: If I Fall

Great Disc, a prime example of NYHC with a little melody.

07/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maximum Penalty have been around since the late 1980's. They were first heard by most from their songs which appeared on a NY hardcore compilation. This album... which I own, titled on my copy as "Independent", combines many flavors of music which meld together to help "MP" define their signature NY hardcore sound. I should have reviewed this disc years ago, because it is great. Singer Jimmy Willimas brings forth a soulful gentleness with a clean tone to an otherwise rough brand of Hardcore. Bassist Mark adds a dash of punk style. Guitarist Joe Affe lays down a chock full of heavy guitars. All is rounded off by excellent drum grooves by drummer, Darren Morgenthaler (former Sealed with a Fist drummer).

The overall produciton on the album is slightly raw, but all musicians are easily heard. The vocal melodies are pretty catchy and the music is fun to "move" to.



A treat is the live versions of even older Maximum Penalty songs.(I was at the show during the recording, the songs are really live)

There isn't a song on here I dislike.



Maximum Penalty is still around. They seemed to have gone back to a heavy sound much like their "East Side Story" EP."