I am a pretty easy target for hardcore bands, and even more so when they are are New York hardcore. Most of my favorites (Agnostic Front, Madball, Biohazard, Sick Of It All) come from the Big Apple and it seems like the city will always be a constant source of great hardcore bands. But like anywhere else, there are lesser known bands that lurk around under the radar and don't get as much recognition (Last Call Brawl, Fed Up, All For Revenge). Truth In Needles are one of those bands.
The band began forming as early as 2004 and are on their second release with Turning Gray Black. Unhappy with the current state of hardcore they set out to bring back the style they loved.
From the very beginning of "All Bets Are Off" I was disappointed in what was weak Biohazard-ish tough guy song. Being that this is first track of the record it set a bad taste in my mouth. I love heavy streetwise hardcore, but sometimes the cheeseball factor gets way too out of control. I can handle a band like Skarhead, because they seem to have a sense of humor. Truth In Needles comes across way too serious and unconvincing. On top of that, some of these guitar parts have a bit of a nu-metal feel.
This isn't all bad fortunately. There are some moments, mostly the faster parts, that are pretty listenable. However, Turning Gray Black is 25 boring minutes of been there done that NYHC. Being that this was released in 2011 and I still haven't heard of them I don't think I am the only one who feels this way.
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