When the Toronto hardcore-punk collective of maniacs known as Fucked Up signed to Jade Tree, eye brows were certainly raised by certain people within the scene. The band had slowly but surely developed a rabid fanbase over the last few years; everyone from the vinyl crate-digging DIY-purist to even some of the most jaded music fans. Was the move the band’s first attempt to legitimize their efforts? Were (gasp!) Fucked Up cleaning up their act? Far from it.

The band’s first official full-length just officially hit shelves this week. I’m sure a large portion of people who read this site know about it or already own a copy by now. Needless to say, it is not going to please everyone. It’s a far cry from their more straight-forward but still inspired Negative Approach style hardcore of the past.

With Hidden World though, it’s clear the band has made the album they have always wanted to make. It’s so ballsy for a hardcore band (I feel wrong even labeling them this anymore) to be recording songs that push passed the six minute mark. From the anthemtic album-opener “Crusades” to “Invisible Leader,” the album starts off in an psuedo-poppy direction. The first few songs may be the most accessible pieces of music they have made; “David Comes To Life” is such a catchy, hooked-filled song. Before you can get comfortable though, the band’s brutal new version of “Baiting The Public” hits you like a ton of bricks to the face. Expanded and more sonically crushing then the original version, the track makes me want to run outside and shatter the windows of every single naysayer that says punk is dead. The track is turning point for the record as well, signaling a more aggressive turn, most notably on “Two Snakes.” It doesn’t end there though ; The progression is almost immeasurable throughout.

I’m not saying Hidden World is the most perfectly conducted album you will ever hear. It’s tough to get through in one sitting just because there is so much music and frequent gear shifts. The album unfolds like a book you read over several days, discovering different aspects of it at certain points. This reason is precisely why many people will certainly be turned off by this record, dismissing it as directionless, perhaps. I think the diversity and eagerness is what makes it so important. It’s tough for a band like this to come off properly on albums, partially the reason why they shunned the medium for so long. Everything, however, about it retains the band’s abrasive nature, while still naturally progressing. Fucked Up is the band standing on the outside of the musical bubble, laughing hysterically at all of those content with following the trends.

They are ejecting a much needed andreline boost into an overall generic and boring scene. They have become musically diverse with a obvious sense of flair, dynamic and danger defining their persona. Even if Hidden World is the last thing this band puts together, it will truely stand as a landmark in the new school of punk and hardcore. This will be one of those records years from now people will name-drop incessantly for trailblazing through the remanants of all the cookie cutter wannabees out there. They are now unstoppable.

Tags: Fucked Up //