“There’s no motherfucking difference between rockers, hip-hoppers and gangstas, right. The real difference is this, the public, the motherfucking media, the mass-eaters and all that motherfucking bullshit, right. All that bullshit. Know what I mean? Look, we don’t give a fuck about you’re white, you’re black, you’re asian. All that old bullshit on menace to society, boys-in-the-hood, colours, all that shit. Stop doing that. We don’t give a fuck about none of that shit. Come to Cali, we’ll beat your fucking ass.” - Trash Talk, Awake video.

Trash Talk, the Sacramento hardcore band, have released their latest E.P. Awake, which shows the band beginning to fulfill their promise that they have shown in their previous 3 albums. With this album there’s something that rings true with the listener in these times when young people and lower classes are marginalised by the institutions which run the world. In the wake of the summer riots and the protests about the banking arrogance this short collection of songs seems timely. This perhaps more artful than their previous outings, focused more on creating good songs than just smashing their way through a record. At just over 8 minutes long it’s short but brutal.Inverted thorn-filled CND sign and all, this is an engaging piece of music. Awake beings with a thumping snare and then descends into vocals both guttural and lacerating in their tone, while guitars thrash about. Slander is the shortest of the work, smashing around for just under a minute. A funky bass-line invites Blind Evolution into the fray, and from then on the song thrashes about like a crocodile’s barrel roll, until the thrashing breaks down into a sludge of crashing drums and guitars. Speilman screams and yelps lines which seem timely. Burn Alive, “die young/survive, burned alive/so burned alive”, sweats anger and keeps focus on its target.Gimme Death, “I used to think the world needed me/‘Till I needed the world”, screams Spielman, melancholy and displeasure bleed throughout this record. The (relatively) longer songs are better than the short blasts. And while the songs themselves may be short, they’re never rushed - its a very controlled anger. If they used footage of the banking protests, Guy Fawkes masks and all, as a video it would be fitting.

This is a striking statement of intent. A Cinco De Mayo for it’s listeners. If you like hardcore music then this will be right up your alley-way and have you jerking around topless in your room (for 8 minutes at least).