by Kurt Morris

Brimming with a passion not usually known within the ranks of the hardcore hip-hop scene, E-Town Concrete's debut for the Razor and Tie label presents 11 tracks trailing along some of the same lines as the rest of the hardcore or rapcore scene, but with plenty of unique flair. Taking cues from the life in the foursome's hometown of Elizabeth (or E-Town), NJ, E-Town Concrete tends to utilize a guitar attack similar to Hatebreed with some ferocious metal vocals ("Metroid") that can just as easily go back to hip-hop rhymes. Yet the life they live is evidently full of culture, as the Latino roots are showcased on "Let's Go" as well as "So Many Nights," which has all the makings of a hit radio single for the alternative radio markets. Along with some reggae and prog rock influence, it makes for a musically full plate, yet isn't overwhelming. Lyrically, the bandmembers speak out against domestic and child abuse and do their best to share their struggles growing up in a hard-nosed city. Overall, it's remarkably positive without being preachy whatsoever. Considering the tendency of many music fans to become jaded and annoyed with either the negativity or the lack of depth of many rapcore bands, E-Town Concrete seems like a welcome breath of fresh air for those searching for something with stylistic diversity that can still pack a punch.