“The early ’80s witnessed the meteoric rise and fall of countless hardcore bands in America. The emergence of a teeming youth whose primary reason for living was utter frustration and ultimately rebellion against the status quo triggered rock music’s last real explosion. Only the most persistent bands with more than a spark of talent and imagination survived the ensuing post-punk maturation.
The Effigies are one band which did survive. Based in America’s heartland, Chicago, Illinois, the Effigies outlasted the doom ‘n gloomers and most of the country’s hardcore groups with a lyrical tack all its own. In direct contrast to the mostly negative message of many punk groups, the Effigies delivered songs which offered signs of hope for today’s youth. Mixing metal and punk sensibilities with a sense of humor and a wry intelligence, the Effigies have staying power.
Formed in early 1980, the Effigies have since released two mini-ablums (Haunted Town and We’re Da Machine) and three albums (For Ever Grounded, Fly On A Wire, and their latest Restless/Fever release, Ink).
While the band’s debut album, For Ever Grounded, confirmed the band’s prowess as one of the more intelligent punk bands in the country and opened up the group’s sound to a more metal-tinged growl. Rather than preaching to their youthful audience, For Ever Grounded offered options in the political and social realm to out and out mindless violence.
Known for their oddball speed-thrash style, Ink again straddles the speed-metal and hardcore punk genres, betraying a new musical tightness and writing prowess. Ink also marks the band’s first serious attempt at expanding their audience base to a national level. The band’s members have achieved a new financial stability and have adopted a new philosophy which includes a vow to release a new album and tour every six months.
Ink captures the spirit of both punk and heavy metal with a freshness seldom heard in modern music. Tracks like “in From The Cold” incorporate sentimental lyrics with the rip-snorting roar of Bob O’Connor’s exceptional guitar playing. In addition, “The Flock” sports a catchy rhythm on which vocalist John Kezdy is able to convey an interesting message with relentless energy.
Track for track, Ink is the Effigies strongest album to date, a statement that will be proved out throughout America as the band embarks on a multi-date, multi-state tour.” – Label promo sheet
Effigies
Ink
Fever/Enigma
MediaFire DL Link
01. Cheater
02. The Sound That Moves
03. I, Fugitive
04. Hi-Lo
05. The Flock
06. Yes
07. Riddle Hit
08. In From The Cold
09. With Open Eyes
10. The River
