new music: samurai shotgun’s ‘riptide’ is uniquely electrifying mix of hardcore energy & hip-hop swagger #soundcheck

Through 11 tracks of an exhilaration mix of post-hardcore guitars, alt-metal drums and bass, deft scratching, and vocals that split the difference between 80’s hardcore and 90’s hip-hop, Samurai Shotgun establishes itself as one of the most compelling bands active today on Riptide.

By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK Contributor

Bursting out the gate with “Heavyarms,” the band wastes no time jumping into the pit, arms flailing.nTheir jigsaw puzzle influences combine to form the shape of a behemoth. Or maybe a “Sabretooth.” Then the record hits its trio of essential cuts: “Escape Higher,” “Intrepid,” and “Pumpkin Spiced Hipster.” Guitarist Tyler Mulder injects some beauty into the band’s pummeling, while the rhythm section challenges vocalist Mateo with odd time signatures, as he delivers some of the smartest and most heartfelt lyrics in his arsenal. As the brilliantly named “Pumpkin Spiced Hipster” breaks into its climax, the band’s mercurial synthesis of sounds and styles shifts into its most perfect combination.

Samurai Shotgun smartly brings in guest vocalists whose voices contrast Mateo’s in distinct ways. From the post-hardcore tenor of Donovan Melero on “Intrepid” or Sammy White’s menacing croon on “Philophobia.” The guest spots work to add new sounds and flavors to Samurai Shotgun’s already 70mm scope, ensuring that each track has a unique personality. As the record closes with the delicately anthemic “Riptide,” Samurai Shotgun have earned the right to do whatever the hell they want. Sure there’s a minute long intro with one chord and a beat on loan from The Dismemberment Plan. Sure their prettiest song also has the most bloodcurdling screams. Like everything else on this record, it probably shouldn’t work when you just describe it in words. But it does. And it’s fucking electrifying.