Album review: User Unauthorized to release intense new EP Not How It Ends June 10
Hardcore Austin punks User Unauthorized have announced their forthcoming EP, Not How It Ends on June 10. Their upcoming release is four tracks deep. Like their previously-released music, the record is reminiscent of 80’s hardcore punk bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat and The Misfits. The quartet’s latest recording reflects much of the angst that could be expected in current, turbulent political climate with fast-paced, visceral output, laden with social and political commentary, which has become a defining quality of the group.
The short and intense album (total runtime 5:42) touches on themes of police violence, racism, bad politics and depression. Like 2022’s Harsh Truth, the album was recorded and produced by Stuart Sikes and Ian MacDougall. The album was mastered by Enormous Door. Rabbit Records is releasing the vinyl.
This new User Unauthorized record kicks off with a blasting, :48 second introduction as if the quartet is warming up the listener for the brief intensity of the remaining three tracks on the album. The second song, “Illegal” features classic, distorted, heavy punk rock guitar riffs punctuated by lead vocalist, Sage’s RANT on police brutality aimed at Latinos. The entire first verse is in Spanish to underline that point:
El abuso de la policía,
no es culpa mía.
Pinches cobardes, almas podridas.
Ellos matan y violan.
English translation:
police abuse,
it’s not my fault.
You fucking cowards, rotten souls.
They kill and rape
Our favorite track on the new User Unauthorized EP is “Blind Faith” which explores anti-government sentiments that seem timely given the current state of American politics which tend to highlight extreme political views versus more moderate opinions. The in-your-face nature of the lyrical delivery along with the band’s wanton playing style is reminiscent of Rage Against the Machine’s defiant, “Killing in the Name” We were definitely ready to fight after hearing this one.
Kickbutt Coffee (Airport Rd location) will host User Unauthorized June 10 for a cassette release party with Tupaki Philo and Kromathaw. The event will serve as a preview of the band’s upcoming East Coast and Midwest tour, which will officially kick off at the Red River Cultural District’s Mohawk, on June 23, where User Unauthorized will play with Mugger, Raw Brigade, Bitter End, and NYC’s Gorilla Biscuits. Grab tickets to the Mohawk show in advance.
Consisting of Sage (bass, vox), Isabella (lead guitar), Johnny Cash (guitar), and Rooster (drums), the band has matured significantly in a relatively short time, with their latest music sounding even more raw and concise than earlier albums. User Unauthorized have given Austin fans not one, but two chances to see these talented punks so don’t fuck it up and miss ’em.
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