CD Review

Ten years ago, Endicott would have been hailed as the second coming of Quicksand or Helmet, with their brash lyrics and bloody fisted guitars. But this is 2004, and hardcore is searching for identity amongst a sound being upheld by the successful Warped Tour. After two self-released EP’s, Albany New York’s Endicott delivers their version of Warped Tour hardcore with a full length debut on Equal Vision Records - The Words In Ink Don’t Lie. Equal Vision, a label that has spawned prog rockers Coheed and Cambria and hardcore juggernauts the Hope Conspiracy, Endicott definitely is in supportive company with hopes of turning ears on this ambitious debut.

Taking a unique approach to their writing style, the songs on the album are written from three separate morbid viewpoints: the victim of a kidnapping, the abductor, and the victim’s family. Unfortunately, the vocals are drowned out and the tumultuous story is hard to comprehend, but through Charles Cure’s urgent vocals, we do sense wads of substance beneath the volume. The album, aside from its great title, is dark and roars with loads of crunchy riffs and low end bass, seemingly building towards an ending that’s as surprising as the story being sung. Yet, despite throwing hints of melody our way, the band’s fiery structures make each song nearly indistinguishable, forcing the messages and focus of the band to seem more sustained than interrogating.

For a debut album, The Words In Ink Don't Lie is an accomplished work in the grades of ambition and potential. Lets just hope Endicott focuses next time on separate song craftings to give the flow a more distinct style and substance beneath the breakneck speed exterior.