Barrie, Canada is on the rise among the Ontario hardcore scene and making sure it stays that way is Slewfoot, finally gracing the province’s vast hardcore scene with their long awaited debut EP Misconduct. Four heavy-hitting tracks guaranteed to put Barrie back on the map and keep them there while also adding some much needed spice to one’s pre-game playlist; just in time for this season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After opening up with a thirty-five second intro track led by drummer Ty Shaw’s fantastic drum work, we are quickly met with our first full track “Cognitive Dissonance”. An amazing display of raw aggression, showing a likeness to Kublai Khan. Not only that, but the group also seem to be utilizing styles similar to acts such as Hamilton’s own Built on Blood and Toronto’s Cold Shoulder. A nearly three minute punishment with enough variety in style to get anybody’s feet moving. Whether you like a cheeky two-step or simply wreak havoc among the crowd, “Cognitive Dissonance” has a little bit of everything that’ll make a mosh pit enthusiast do what they do best.
Swiftly to follow next is “Wasted Time”. Opting for a harder, almost dark undertone, Brendan Hiles and Pete Freimanis (guitars) are clearly the stars of this piece. Providing plenty of dark, ominous leads and some massive accompanying riffs from the rhythm section, no time is wasted as the song title implies. Along with a hard as nails display from lead vocalist Ty Askin, this is one of the year’s standout ONHC singles so far.
Closing out this short yet sweet EP is “Break the Chains”. A massive track to say the least, “Break the Chains” follows a more powerviolence approach. Possibly the fastest track on the entire record, one would be crazy to stand still during this one at any of Slewfoot’s live performances in the future with plenty of crowd engaging mic grab moments to be had as well. Slewfoot added some of the best and most fun elements of hardcore to not only this track but the entire record. Ontario hardcore fans can now sit back and soak in this long awaited release. Baytown’s own are taking over and Misconduct is the only example anyone would need as to why this is.