Hot Cross

Hot Cross

Risk Revival

[3.5/5] With the cleanest production Hot Cross have yet embraced in their swelling discography, it’s easy to fear that their brand of angular, emotional hardcore has lost even more intensity than their 2004 EP Fair Trades And Farewells exposed. However, the new album merely continues in the EP’s fashion, a 44-minute session with little variation-but it’s full of the band’s trademark bouncy urgency which helps keep it compelling. Guitarist Casey Boland provides riffs ample enough to ensure arthritis to any imitators with invisible instruments. Frontman Billy Werner somehow sounds like a younger, more invigorated version of himself, often delving into speak-sing territory and sometimes relying on a more straightforward hardcore intensity without shredding his throat ("Fuck off, because I don’t need you," he bluntly blurts in "Fatefully"). With a lack of raw finish and no restrained moments to help the listener catch even a molecule of breath, Risk Revival could be slightly disappointing to diehards hoping for more, but it’s still a whole fucking load of swaying, overwhelming frenzy, and with that as its general theme, a wild ride is at hand. (HOPE DIVISION/EQUAL VISION) Brian Shultz

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