Have you ever wondered what kind of music would perfectly soundtrack a punch straight to the face? Well, look no further — just put on Full House Brew Crew’s new album, “Glasgow Grin”. It is aggression distilled into sound, on every possible level. But let’s take it from the top. The band stays rooted in the groove metal territory they serve so well, though this time there’s a stronger metalcore edge woven into the mix. The tempos aren’t particularly fast — with the possible exception of “The Tear”, which also happens to be one of my favorite tracks on the record — but the sheer weight of the guitars makes up for everything. We’re talking about crushing, bone-heavy riffs and breakdowns built to snap necks. What I really appreciated is that both Vagelis (Karzis) and George (Tzatzakis), despite being exceptional guitarists, resist the temptation to overcrowd the songs with unnecessary flash. They play exactly what needs to be heard — no more, no less. That said, for those who crave intricate guitar solos, the lead break in “Distant Star” should more than satisfy you. The vocals are another defining element. On this album, Vagelis steps on the gas hard. If you’re expecting lots of clean, melodic singing, you might be in for a surprise. His voice — sharply articulated and carrying just the right amount of grit — feels like an enraged pitbull barking right in your face. And it’s genuinely ironic, considering Vagelis is one of the kindest people I’ve met in our scene. The band’s overall performance is outstanding, and special mention has to go to the new drummer, Chris Borméy. He brings smart, well-placed parts to the songs, and his skill level is obvious throughout the record. Complementing a very strong album is equally a strong production: clean, tight, and powerful, allowing you to catch every detail without ever fatiguing your ears. Overall, we’re talking about a seriously impressive release — one that might even surpass “Rise of the Underdogs”, which until now I considered their finest work. Full House Brew Crew show zero intention of compromising or slowing down. Personally, I’d highlight “No Gods, No Chains”, “The Tear”, “Rain” and “Distant Star” — though that doesn’t mean the rest are filler by any stretch. Put your headphones on, crank up the volume, and whether you’re heading to the gym or ready to take on the whole planet, let “Glasgow Grin” do the talking.
♦ 9/10
Christos Kosmidis
