Politically-charged punk outfit Voice of Addiction self-admittedly have no intention of putting their addiction themed lyrical subject matter up against a wall and taking a look at it. Instead, they’d rather just crash through the wall. That approach to making music is none the more apparent than on their latest release Re-evolution, six-tracks of agro aural assault earmarked with intermittent Ska swagger.
“Broken Bones and Broken Homes” sets the pace with jangle electric that gives way to a full Punk onslaught of staccato stop-and-go guitar and percussion. The gruff growl lyrical delivery of Ian Tomele is reminiscent of Lucifuge-era Danzig with a bit less twang. “The Walls” opens in vintage Clash manner only to give way to their ubiquitous Ska break with a molten metal middle. Weighing in as the longest track on the album (6:07) Walls allows V.O.A. a myriad of tempo changes and shows the breadth of style and speeds at their disposal. “Right! Now!” features agro-guitar work, which again gives way to multiple time changes, differing lyrical deliveries and another Ska break at about the halfway mark. Returning to the source, the track wraps nicely with the sonic barrage from the opening notes.
Before you chalk this heavy hitter up as six-tracks of raw emotion, it is important to note that V.O.A is comprised of three musicians classically trained in their craft. Combine that with their aforementioned emotion and relentless passion for music and the result is a double threat outfit made up of more gusto than glam. The pure Punk facets meld nicely with the intertwined Ska elements and V.O.A. prove, loudly, that they have equal command of both styles. This writer smells early era Buzzcocks moxie and The Ernies Ska grooves.
by Chris West
[Rating: 3/5]
