SOH: Cost to Live 12″

Description

The first album of “SOH”, a current hardcore band from LA, formed by members of Artificial Joy, who released a split with SKITKLASS, is now available! Some
people may have been shocked by the sound source that has already been distributed. It is not D-BEAT only, nor FAST/POWER VIOLENCE, but a hardcore sound built with a variety of riffs and rhythms. And vocalist Kristine’s versatile style makes a tremendous impact. Although there are various approaches to hardcore, this work was created by greedily continuing to input, and can be said to be the end of the evolution of modern hardcore.
A tour of Japan has also been decided for October 2024. Please look forward to the accelerating activities starting with the release of the album.

Our take: Los Angeless SOH follow up 2022s Life in Edge EP with their first full-length record, showcasing their musical chops and forging a path thats totally punk but also fully unique. SOH doesnt sound like anyone else out there, and while you can hear antecedents in their galloping d-beat rhythms, metallic riffing, and charismatic vocals, it all comes together into the bands distinctive sound. Part of what defines that sound is its eclecticism. You never know what SOH is going to throw at you next, and each song offers something new, whether its a different rhythm from the drummer, a new style of riffing, some bubbly bass lines, or a new vocal technique that you havent heard on a previous track. It feels like SOH took pains to make sure they werent just writing the same song over and over, with each one adding something distinct to the bands oeuvre. This means the record is full of highlights, and if you get hooked, for instance, by the crazy demon vocals on the second verse of Walang Paglaya or the reverbed-out East Bay Ray guitar stylings in Annihilate, the band wont beat you to death with that idea for the rest of the record. SOHs vocalist is a total chameleon, using everything from shouts to screams to grunts to speak-singing to keep every moment on Cost to Live fresh and exciting. Much like the records eye-catching artwork, Cost to Live is fully thought-through but not belabored, holding itself to a high standard of originality and execution without losing the rawness and personality you want from underground punk.