We'll Go Machete Wields Hardcore Standards

Debut EP is a great example of hardcore standards.

We'll Go Machete
We'll Go Machete EP
Release Date: Jun 25, 2009

Austin, TX quartet We’ll Go Machete delivers a taste of classic hardcore with their self-titled EP.   Claiming such influences as Drive Like Jehu, Fugazi, and Quicksand, the group puts forth an effort to stand out in the over-saturated hardcore scene of today.  Vocalist Paul Warner aids this effort with a distinct spoken word delivery, not often emulated in most current hardcore, and at times is even reminiscent of the great Zack De La Rocha. 

Things get started swingingly with the opening track, “Red Maddens the Bull.”  Built off a solid guitar and bolstering rhythm section, it amounts to a pretty good song.  At just over two and half minutes, this track exemplifies what a hardcore song should be, powerful vocals, heavy rhythm, melodic guitar, and to the point. 

“Number 12” showcases the best example of We’ll Go Machete’s musicianship on the EP.  Packed with exhausting guitars and erratic lyrics they raise the bar on this song.  The following track “Archibald” keeps that energy up, although it seems like it’s really just coasting off the wake of “Number 12.”  “Thatch” gives off the best old-school hardcore vibe of the EP.  With barked vocals and chanting, I am once again inclined to believe that there’s a possible Rage Against The Machine influence.   

With a quasi-melodic opening, building towards a less than impressive song to follow, I’m not sure I would have picked “All At Sea” as an ending impression.  I’m also not a huge fan of the mixing on the album as a whole; at crucial times the drumming seems eclipsed which results in some weak transitions.  

While it seems their initial effort was to stray from the path that it seems so many hardcore bands are taking these days, I’m not sure if they got quite far enough away from that generic sound to let this be counted as a success.  They put out several decent tracks on this EP, but nothing that really stands out.  I do admire their motives though, and look forward to hearing their future material.