by David Serra

Paint It Black continue to kick the old-school hardcore on their Jade Tree release, Paradise. This time around, though, Paint It Black release a lot of the tension throughout the album with a reliance on melodic sensibilities -- guitar and vocal lines with interesting half-time chumpdowns -- which may be a result of Paradise being produced and recorded by J. Robbins. These are introspective songs of identity against a backdrop of global breakdown and corporate manipulation. Paint It Black offer up fast beats, thick chords, and passionate lyrics on Paradise, and shine on tracks with vocal exchanges between Dan Yemin and Andy Nelson, such as "Pink Slip," "Athiests in Foxholes," and "Labor Day." Paint It Black have always had a good sense of keeping the good fight going with passion and rage in their lyrics and delivery, while mixing in memorable musical elements. Paradise will make you get up, think about your situation, and fight for better days.