Burning Bridges To Nowhere

Philadelphia co-ed anarcho screamers Witch Hunt do their dirty deeds for the first time on Alternative Tentacles. Formed in 2001 as a New Jersey trio, Witch Hunt's political lyrics and breakneck speeds recall the hardcore of yore. Parts of 'Everyday' and 'Reflections' veer toward a vintage Husker Du guitar tone. Short bursts of fury cross over between the crust world and modern contemporaries like Fucked Up. Having Rob Fitzpatrick move from drums to second guitar adds a thickened wall of density to the sound.

Their two previous albums on Profane Existence Records, As Priorities Decay and Blood Red States, went after pro-lifers and warmongers. The new one takes a potshot at Palin's Alaska in the title, but you can bet that no subject is spared. Fans of Alternative Tentacles' BlackNoise imprint and groups like I Object, Nausea, and even Disaster Strikes will find comfort in the familiar sounds here, but anyone into melodic punk with screaming female vocals should also fall in line.