Not the genre I listen to most of the times at home, but every time Madball
appears on a festival, it is a big party. With 'Hardcore Lives' they do indeed show
that the hardcore scene still has a future.
Every song is a slam in your face and invites you to shout along. Especially a
song like "Doc Marten Stomp" is the ideal song to sing a long with during a live
performance. Freddy sounds like he never ages and together with the rest of the
band they honor the typical NYHC style. To underline that the whole scene is
about respect, family and friendship you hear some guest musicians on a few
songs. On "True School" Scott (Terror) appears, "My Armor" is brightened up with
Toby (H20) and Candace (Walls of Jericho) on "Born Strong". Especially the last
one has a strong performance.
Although the album is perhaps not as strong as their real top album 'Set if Off',
I really like it. Sure you can mention that there isn't a lot new compared with
their earlier releases and you are right, but the short songs see to it that you
never get bored. Before you think: that's enough, it's over and the next song
starts.
Indeed hardcore lives and Madball isn't dead either.
