Dischange
Seeing Feeling Bleeding

THE REVIEW

In the punk-hardcore scene for some time now, clone bands of the historic Discharge have been sprouting up and multiplying like locusts. It is from them, indeed, that the term Dis-beat or d-beat derives, used to indicate that particular drum rhythm, whose paternity is attributed (mistakenly! See Motorhead) to drummer Terry Roberts of the English band.

The Dischange, (with the N!!) as one can understand from the name, are strongly inspired by the four from Stoke-on-Trent. However, they do not fall into the aforementioned massive new wave of "Dis", since their "Seeing Feeling Bleeding" was released back in 1993. The Swedish band's album is their first and only LP, preceded only by a couple of 7" splits.

The sound impact is strong: sandpaper-like guitars with a compact sound, distorted bass just right, heavy and predominant drum kick to highlight that particular beat, hoarse and dirty voice; these elements together with an excellent mix make the tracks personal, despite everything suggesting otherwise.
The lyrics are not lengthy, rather concise, just a few catchy words or phrases repeated obsessively. The lyrics range from criticism of modern American society as in "Image of welfare" (Three millions of homeless people - this is the u.s.a, the image of welfare, say farewell to this shit.), to war or apocalypse. These quick and precise jabs of text give way to significant riffs which blend perfectly with the bland rhythm that drags us inexorably throughout all the tracks. In returning the endings of the songs, humble solos are used, sometimes just a single "bent" note, that reminds us of a harrowing cry of desperation and seems to underscore the drama of the words. Bass solos are not frowned upon either, opening some of the tracks.

If the constant throughout the album is the "dischargian" rhythm, the track "Victims of madness" is noteworthy for its particular "straight kick" rhythm; even more hammering than before, it guides us through a path of terrible war images: Victims of madness - Men, women and children shattered by the wind - Blown to pieces by a fucking landmine.

Unfortunately impossible to find on vinyl, but fairly available on cd/mp3, I can only recommend this album to those who are already familiar with and appreciate Discharge and company! You will not be disappointed..