Vision 'Detonate’s powerful hardcore

Noteworthy: CD Review

"Three … two … one — Go." Prepare to "Detonate" to 30 minutes of fast-paced punk rock with the latest release by Vision.

No strangers to the East Coast music scene, New Jersey rockers Vision’s 11th release, "Detonate" is equally as impressive as its earlier independent albums. Its hardcore music, along with nonstop energetic vocals, creates a powerful record.

"Detonate" is Vision’s first release on Chunksaah Records, and the pairing between the band and label is an excellent match. Chunksaah Records, formed by the band The Bouncing Souls, claims to be "a label free of industry jargon, lawyer-speak and pigeonholing, but full of people who are willing to risk it all, work hard and, at the same time, be treated equally, like family," according to www.chunksaahrecords.com. It is Vision’s aggressive nature in both its attitude and music that makes its hardcore nature a strong fit on Chunksaah.

From the opening countdown to the power chords of the last song on the compact disc, "Faster Than Fate," there is never a dull moment on "Detonate." The first song, also titled "Detonate," sets the tone for the entire CD. This song is full of political activism and subtle attacks at the state of American government.

The vocal style of lead singer David Franklin resembles that of his contemporaries, notably H2O, another punk rock band hailing from the East Coast. To emphasize his charismatic verses, the remainder of the Vision quintet often joins in on choruses throughout the album. Traditional punk drums and four-chord guitars riffs fill in the rest of the sound.

"Used To Be," the fourth track on the album, has an introduction that closely resembles No Use For A Name’s "Dumb Reminders." However, this song quickly sets itself off as the catchiest track on "Detonate," due to its anthemic chorus full of "whoa"s.

Following a theme of unsuccessful relationships, "Void," the sixth song, poses a series of questions to the singer’s former love interest. "How do you deal with these inner emotions?/Tell me how to refrain and how do I stop all the pain?" More so, overtop unique guitar riffs and a driving drum beat, Franklin explores the negative effects the relationship had upon his entire as he concludes, "just when you have it done, it all gets changed around."

"Break Up Song," the eighth track, is a classic, punk-rock love song. Although originally done by the Greg Kihn Band, Vision provides an upbeat rendition, as well as one of the album’s finer tracks with this skillful cover.

"Victory Song" and "Faster Than Fate," the last two songs on "Detonate," truly end with an explosion, shown through their fast pace. The energy of the opening tracks still exists as Vision continues to belt out songs of society’s ill-fated nature and the challenge of succeeding in life.

Named as one of the 10 best bands to see live by a 2002 issue of Thrasher Magazine, Vision continues to rock hard even after 15 years. "Detonate" is a journey back to the classic sound of early East Coast hardcore punk. Get ready for a powerful musical experience.

"Detonate" is available locally at Plan 9 Music. Visit www.visionhardcore.com for more information on the band and its music.