Receiving a new batch of physical copies to review yesterday, I was eager to take a listen to a band called Ripface Invasion due to the artwork and logo alone. Under the impression I would be hearing some awesome crossover just like their first release, I took a listen. To my dismay, I found this EP sounds like a couple of B-sides released by a lovechild of their favorite bands. Keep in mind I'm not trying to tear this band apart-I thoroughly enjoyed their first EP, which was also reviewed on the site.
"The Dominator" is a mid-paced song that isn't really memorable in any way. Unlike the first EP, this has double-tracked vocals which are really tough to listen to. It almost sounds like the vocalist was off a little bit timing-wise in recording the vocals a second time. The first EP showcased more melodic singing, while this is just a standard hardcore shout.
"To Not Give In" follows in similar fashion, but I can sense a more beatdown-influence in this one. The riffs again are pretty mundane and sound too familiar to be considered original.
They finally showcase their thrashy side musically and lyrically with "Armchair Politician." The lyrics basically criticize the corrupt nature of politicians. Some of the lyrics seem awkward and forced just to rhyme though, like the line "Control what you say/You're burning the bridge/Why ruin days?"
Overall, if you're a Ripface Invasion fan, you might be disappointed if you're looking for something like their self-titled. That was an incredibly solid EP and although not anything new, very enjoyable modern thrash. On their second release though, don't expect to find the energy you found on "Ripface Attack" or the melodic vocals on "The Last One On Earth." The production isn't as solid on To Not Give In either. Hopefully the band can find a middle ground between their writing styles in both EPs and come back with a much better effort than this.
Home 
Follow on Twitter! 
Like on Facebook!
Listen to Ripface Invasion
