Sound Speed Records – May 15, 2020
Clever songwriting with crystal clear vocals
The Polish band CF98 has been active for well over 14 years. Their band name suggest that they are a reformed hardcore band from the eighties, but they actually make a blend of hardcore skatepunk with keen pop melodies.
CF98 had multiple line-up changes over the last 14 years and that might be a reason why their releases differ in sound. On their latest release, Dead Inside, the band embraces their pop sensibilities to their limit, which results in beautifully arranged melodies, sung by Karolina Duszkiewicz. This is especially true for the song “Shine On”, which starts with a beautiful, almost understated intro before changing into a fast skate punk song with smart little breaks and stops played by the rest of the band. In that one minute that is ‘Shine On”, the band shows everything they are capable off.
Another highlight of the EP is closing song “Never Quit”. Again, this song leaves plenty of space for Karolina's crystal-clear voice to cut through the song. This is not only clever songwriting but also a sign of great production, which becomes obvious when you learn it is produced by Ishay Berger of Useless ID. The production of this EP is polished and sophisticated but never feels overproduced and that is exactly what these songs need.
Dead Inside certainly does the trick pretty well, but it does feel like it could use some more variety. The six songs can feel pretty similar to each other, in tempo, in melody and in structure with the aforementioned “Shine On” and “Never Quit” as exceptions.
Even though CF98 has their own sound and good songs, Dead Inside probably won't win the award for “Most Original Record Of The Year”. With their fast-paced drums, roaring bass and melodic guitar lines, Dead Inside, will appeal to any person that likes skate punk. I hope that CF98 will continue to explore their sound even further with a full-length record.
Quirijn's primary focus for TGEFM is on album reviews and band interviews. When he's not writing for the site, he can be found mixing sound at Fiction Studio, mixing up beats for as one part of hip-hop duo Breekpunt, or playing guitar for punk quartet Ink Bomb.