Trans Fats – (5- Song Demo EP)
The Trans Fats are the hardest hardcore band out of Providence, Rhode Island. They play balls to the walls, take no prisoners, all out hardcore in the tradition of Minor Threat, Bad Brains and Black Flag. But maybe, with them being so loud and aggressive, it took me at least three of four times seeing them before I noticed all these progressive elements hidden inside. This is great because, usually, a band being “progressive” is some fool stepping into the spotlight to play his ripped off Vivaldi solo on his violin or keyboard. This is more subtle, like hidden surprises in your chocolate bon bon!
They get things happening by having an excellent adept drummer (Larry), a bassist (Jon) who just doesn’t coast but actually works with the drummer, setting the foundation; a guitarist (Jaime) who provides what’s needed, even if it’s sometimes unexpected, without being showy or overbearing and a singer (Todd) who probably best encapsulates the classic hardcore vocal sound more than anyone else on our site while also, adapting it into his own.
Bottom line they are one of my favorite bands and a blast to see live and this EP is a sample of a full length, hopefully, coming soon. It was recorded live and I’m not an expert on sound but I think it’s perfect as is, I like every song and I wouldn’t change a note on it.
1-2, 1-2-3-4
That’s how the first few moments of the first song, “Obey,” starts. Then it sounds like a chainsaw being turned on, but wait, No!- it’s the guitar coming in. With the percolating bass and the drummer chopping away at the beat like a crazed lumberjack in the wilderness- this song kicks major, major ass. Lots of subtle rhythm changes, a double time at the end and a venomous vocal, “Shut your fuck’n mouth,” help make this my favorite one on the record.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01-Obey.mp3|titles=Obey]“Invisible Threat” is the next onslaught. After bursting out with a breakneck speed worthy of Motorhead, a dissonant guitar phrase leads into another wild police chase that produces enough twists and turns around dangerous curves that will either make you toss your cookies or mosh with abandoned glee. May I suggest you do both? Another killer tune with a killer riff that ends with some whacked out guitar and strangled, anguished vocals while the rhythm section just pours salt on the wounds with its slash and burn propulsions. Can I change my favorite!
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02-Invisible Threat.mp3|titles=Invisible Threat]Out of my way, I’m a “Land Shark!” Todd warns us and though I doubt the authenticity of this remark it is said with such force and conviction that I’m leery of disregarding his claim. The chorus leads into an actual guitar solo with chards of dissonant notes thrown around like broken glass on a hard surface while the rhythm boys hit hard and precise like a runaway bulldozer stuck on top speed.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/03-Landshark.mp3|titles=Landshark]“Get Fat” starts with a groovin’ bass and guitar that sounds like Blue Oyster Cult on speed. Let’s not call it a bass solo, but there is a bass “interlude” after the first verse that is brought back in by the guitar. This churns and burns enough calories that even those anorexic models if they heard this, would take their boney fingers out of their mouths above the toilet bowls and stuff in large Italian subs. This song is phat, Yo!.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/04-Get Fat.mp3|titles=Get Fat]Fifth and final song of this fantastic, fabulous foray firing into every fiber of my fortuitous existence is “Mai Tai,” Starting with a propulsive drum beat the guitars roar in like a 747 taking off on a runway that leads into another vicious diatribe by Todd, attempting to scream his bloody head off. The guitar and bass, toward the end, lock into a four note lick while the drum grooves along accelerating into an exciting climax where Todd’s head really does explode and the blood and guts is left smeared in the tracks of this EP- all for your listening pleasure, I’m sure.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/05-Mai Tai.mp3|titles=Mai Tai]The Trans Fats are a headlong rush of passion, noise, aggression, guts, conviction, collisions and this EP will tear your soul out of your body at a hundred miles per hour, leaving your skeleton to mosh in fury with a wide grin upon your lips.
(Slimedog)
