Fucked Up — The Chemistry Of Common Life

Is it impossible for a band to include a flute solo before a blistering hardcore track which just may blow a hole in your speakers? Is it inconceivable for that same hardcore band to include the operatic voice of Katie Stelmanis on another song? Do you question whether a hardcore band could have released some of the best music of 2008? If you said yes to any of these questions, you should probably move because Fucked Up's sophomore album has the sound of a band who could be the next big thing around the globe despite their musical weirdness and name. It's extremely abrasive music that makes absolutely no apologies, but it's vital since it asks a multitude of questions about God and existence. From the flute solo that opens lead track "Son The Father" through Stelmanis' vocals on "Royal Swan," the chants on "Twice Born" and the closing title cut, you'll find The Chemistry Of Common Life is a remarkably focused album from a band who are known more for chaos than cohesive statements. It's also one of the best punk or hardcore records to come out of Canada in a long time. If you don't dig it, we advise you to get the fuck out of the way.

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