Client was
an obscure hardcore/crossover-ish type band from Japan whose sole release is this
record that came out in 1988. What you can expect is terrible recording quality
and decent, occasionally ambitious, hardcore.
What’s nice
is that they change it up in terms of tempo and structure, so it doesn’t all
sound the same.While they don’t bombard you with super-aggressive Japcore ala
G.A.I. or Confuse, they do have some dynamic shifts that make this worth a
listen if you’re a big Japcore freak. The biggest detriment to this EP, and
this is strange to say regarding Japcore, is the shitty production. While a
band such as G.A.I. make the terrible production suit their noisy brand of
punk, Client have a more ambitious sound that could have benefitted by slightly
better production that brings the guitars to the fore and lessens the overly
bass-y mix.
Trap
probably wasn’t the best song to start this off, with a Discharge meets U.S.
hardcore type riff and a short but sweet guitar solo, this track is surprisingly
overpowered by the bass, which is one problem that plagues the whole record.
The next
track has a Japanese title, setting off much like the previous song, the track
eventually slows down for a catchy chord progression followed by a tasty guitar
solo, only to erupt back into warp-speed moments later.
The third
track also has a Japanese title and it shows a change in direction, with some
nice stop/start moments, guitar leads, a catchy chorus, and a cool moshy riff
towards the end, this track shows that Client are fairly ambitious, making it
one of the best tracks here.
Oi! Are the
title suggest has an Oi! vibe during the opening, however, the track then goes
into typical hardcore pace. The mid-point shows off a catchy riff and some
nice, if slightly out-of-tune, leads.
Not Console
sets of with a mid-tempo Thrash metal style riff, which carries the song
through the 3 and a half minutes, making this the longest track by far. The
mid-point shows off some decent guitar playing that grabs the interest, showing
that there certainly is some talent here. This is probably the best song on the
whole flexi as it shows the ambitious nature of the band off.
Fox is the
final track which has a nice balance between hardcore speed as well as some
slower, catchy chord progressions. The unexpected change in pace towards the
end is a rad touch, yet again showing that they are a tight unit.
So, not an
essential listen by any stretch of the imagination, but, if you are interested
in Japanese punk, I’d suggest downloading this rare nugget.
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