still care, after all these years...

Spring Forward - "still care"
Label: DIY

The loose connection between this blog and Karol of SPRING FORWARD harkens back nearly 10 years. In 2014 he sent me a 7inch of his former band ASHTRAY MONUMENT. Seven years later, in 2021, I recommended the awesome demo by a band called STARSHIPS, without knowing that Karol was a part of it. 

The cycle kinda closes with his new project SPRING FORWARD, which he describes as "some sort of 90s Hardcore". Spot on, as the 90s vibe on these 6 songs is real! Before listening to the EP, I built connotations to the Revolution Summer and RITES OF SPRING, probably because of the "Spring" in the bands name. And really, you can hear some influences there. Though, generally they're caught inbetween the Revolution Summer, some German HC/Emo and some 90s-mosh. I'm sure a few dinosaurs (did it!) would call this "Emo-Mosh". 

While "still care" gives you various changes in pace, two components are always present: The rubbish 90s-feeling to it as well as the melancholic undertones. It's surprisingly melodic for a HC-record and a lovely change when compared to everything that came out in the last few years. For the sake of throwing in some references, I'll go with their compatriots from I REFUSE, YAGE, ASSAY (not as scream-y however) and definitely ENFOLD (not as heavy and destructive). If you dig any of those bands or emotional Hardcore in general, give this a shot!

SPRING FORWARD on Bandcamp
SPRING FORWARD on Instagram