It takes more than technical skills to create a song that makes you want to stank face for three minutes straight. On their newest (old) single, Karate proves that they know the secret ingredient. Thanks to their label Numero Group, the band is giving us the chance to listen to some of their recorded music from the 90's for the first time and "Hard Song" is an easy favorite.
Combining elements of progressive jazz with punk instrumentation, the song perfectly encapsulates the roots of post-hardcore as we move into an era where the genre has all but disappeared into a sea of offshoots and adaptions. Though these developments are often what make new releases exciting, sometimes a peek into the past can give so much context for the music we enjoy today.
Instead of lyrics, the conversation in this song lies within the instruments. As a person who is usually very lyrics-focused (maybe to a fault), I felt that there was absolutely no need in this case. Moving through the sections of the piece, guitar, bass, and drums interact with each other in a way that goes beyond the lines of composition. You can feel the musicians care for their craft, which is a care they have maintained through decades of releases.
To my friends who like to lie flat on their backs on the bed with huge over-the-ear headphones, I think this one is for you.
