Hack The Mainframe – Disorders of Consciousness

  • Cole Faulkner posted
  • Reviews

Hack The Mainframe

Disorders of Consciousness - Disconnect Disconnect Records / Pee Records

Newcastle/Central Coast frantic-paced melodic punk rock act Hack The Mainframe are a shoe-in for their recent Pee Records home.  While I’m only distantly aware of the Australian punk scene, after listening to the band’s debut full length, Disorders of Consciousness, it became clear that these were not fresh faced newcomers.  A little digging reveals that the band’s lineage contains a formidable pedigree, arising from the ashes of long running 90’s staple Wiseheimer, and local favourites Pants Optional.  The result is a sound that will be embraced with open arms by any fans of NOFX, 88 Fingers Louie, Lagwagon & Ten Foot Pole.  

Disorders of Consciousness operates on a dual premise.  Generally there are fast-paced, breakneck melodies, and somewhat looser, smirk-worthy tunes to lighten the mood (i.e. “Amy”).  Opener “R.E.M. Sleep” kicks the record off with the skyward rise of lofty vocal harmonies layered against a steady backdrop of full bodied riffs.  The combination will find instant fandom amongst the Belvedere faithful, as the band’s message of a society stuck on unchecked autopilot sets an ominous tone.  “Anxiety” plays off of a similar sentiment, drawing upon excessive speed to communicate the reality of cognitively crumbling under the weight of the world’s unyielding stressors and relentless pacing.  The band is particularly adept at matching mood with message, as is clear with their turn on a dime switch to the fun-tempoed toe tapper “Col,” and its curiously upbeat take on those who make partying hard a lifestyle rather than a passtime.  What starts off as a fun distraction eventually shows cracks in the foundation that spread to family and professional life.  The song may be fun at heart, but it has a deeper social purpose.

The band also draws upon heavy edge.  Born from metal-inspired riffs and elements of technical speed punk, tracks like “Intoxicated” and “Save Yourself” find Hack The Mainframe make for a powerful expressions of melodic punk rock.  The subtle flourishes abide with most of the stylistic conventions fans have come to expect from the likes of Strung Out and Face to Face.

Those seeking a reminder as to the glory days of melodic punk rock can take comfort in knowing that Hack The Mainframe are here to answer their call.  It goes without saying, Disorders of Consciousness makes good on the promise to further the legacy of 90’s punk rock – even being over twenty years removed.