Coming from a city that is wrapped into a blanket of the blackest of metal, Social Suicide cast a brilliant white light over the increasingly shining minor hardcore scene the city of Bergen possess. I have been looking forward to this EP for what seems an eternity, as my expectations has increased every day with every live show I have experienced with these insanely energetic social suicidals. After all the amazing press they have received for every covered gig and the surprisingly kind words from big guys such as The Chariot and Silver, my expectations finally reached a level which I thought they were unable to exceed, especially considering their age which ranges from barely legal to barely of age. Truth be told, the band sent me this early. Hence I have listened to this for the last month or so, only to get my official copy a few hours ago on the band’s release party. Delivering a flawless show didn’t actually lower my need to get home and give this its first spin, which was, in all honesty, one hell of a mental ride.

Forget Jeroan Drive. Forget Norma Jean. Enter Social Suicide. What an entrance. Kansas City Shuffle throws you through the wall and sets the standard for the beating you’re in for. This is maybe not the most original post-hardcore related stuff you’ve heard as they borrow elements from the mentioned Norma Jean, The Chariot and Jeroan Drive. On the other hand however, I am tempted to state that the quality they deliver in terms of creativity, intensity and song-writing sometimes exceeds the three aforementioned giants by far. The creative mindset of the young main riff-machine Bjarte Andreas Haugland and the incredibly skilled drummer Esteban Muñoz forces Involving Distraction and Misdirection of Which You Get Everyone to Look One Way While Whatever You're Doing Involves Going the Other Way to the very top, while the morbid rambling screams of Sondre Haug never ceases in powerful intensity. They may be hard to digest if you’re not particularly into this genre but prove to be completely fitting.

The music itself is colored by an undisputed wrath. The riffs are defining, sometimes oddly shaped yet never out of place. Remi Arefjord’s steady bass-work follows Bjarte’s every move and the two of them create a rock solid rhythmic base. Adding to the foundation is Mr. Muñoz as he unleashed his Hispanic temper on the remains of the creatively punished drums. They combine speed and pure aggression with a required touch of melody and catchiness which makes this a little more accessible for the more close-minded listener. What keeps this from flowing together into an intense blurriness is the mentioned creativity. The music contains occasional violins, odd time-changes and sudden yet pleasant riff-y transitions, and even a well-placed choir on Dead People Can’t Speak for Themselves. On a side note I suspect that they’ve obtained the idea from the magnificent Norma Jean and their brilliant ’08-release The Anti-Mother, which is not an issue when done as properly as this.

As you’ve probably figured out by now, Social Suicide tore down every obstacle in the way and climbed up to the very top of my mountain of expectations. Quite frankly, I had never foreseen that the band formerly known as the so-so Evidence would ever reach this far. The only complaint I have is that this is far too short. This should quite frankly have been a full-length. Oh, and another thing, the ridiculously long title is bound to create controversy, and even though it’s not a problem for me, it will definitely be one hell of a nightmare-spawner for every dyslectic out there. In all seriousness, Social Suicide, despite their age, are more than ready to inherit the Norwegian throne of hardcore, as they’re easily in their own league, and next to none. Let’s hope this will cause a fire under every label with any wit left in them, so that a full-length can funded as soon as possible. You should definitely keep an eye on these guys if you’re a hardcore-fan. For those of you who have bothered to read this, check out their MySpace, and if you like what you’re hearing, spread the word and support the band by buying their EP. Strongly recommended.