REVIEW: SAID AND DONE - ENDLESS ROADS

Once in a while you stumble upon things that you'd never expect to fulfill what you're looking for, and thanks to Netherland's Said and Done, here's a current hardcore band I can really enjoy. Formed around 2006, Said and Done is a band that may fall into the late 80's NYHC category, but with a more "rock" approach, kinda like Only Living Witness did in the 90's. Don't get me wrong though, I couldn't name any other bands who sound like them right now. They're one of the few bands right now who writes songs that get can get stuck in my head, and that's always a good sign when it comes to HC bands. Their new Ep, "Endless Roads" (Shield Recordings), is the proof that Euro HC is definitely in full effect right now.

The album starts with "Into the Distance", a song that reminds me of OLW at the first note, but without really borrowing riffs. One thing that got me from the start was the vocals. Seriously, those vocals are fucking great, they are one of the main things that sets Said and Done apart. Great mid-tempo, simple but effective riffing, with a little soloing thrown in there for good measures. Dope opening song for sure.

"Empty Soul", starts with an intro that could have been a Leeway riff circa 88, then blasts into a pure Cro-Mags worship riff. The vocal patterns on this one are dope, especially on the "chorus." The last mosh is hard as nails, and with that solo it makes it even better.

The third song, "Rearrange", is another banger. The riff progression in the intro definitely makes me want to mosh it up. Some great riffing on this one, especially that last mosh with the gang vocals. The vocal patterns are still awesome. Good song structure too.

"New Footsteps" has an intro that kinda reminds me of the "Life is Pain" intro, but then changes completely. I love how they structure their songs, real simple but not too predictable. Good lead riffing on this one.

"Day In, Day Out" is one of my favorites on the Ep, mostly because of that retarded mosh. I love the drumming during that part. Great sing-along near the end too.

The closing song, "Isolation", is definitely the best song on the album. Now that's a fucking banger! The rock/metal influence is real present on this one. How great are those parts when he whispers? Listening to this song just makes me want to pick up my guitar and try to come up with riffs as good. That breakdown near the end is just amazing. I'm pretty sure it's the song that took them the most time to write, they definitely should head in that direction for their upcoming stuff. This is the kind of song that some bigger bands right now wish they could write. Some next-level HC for sure.


Overall, I must say that "Endless Roads" is an awesome surprise. Great musicians, great song-writing skills, and from their live pictures I could tell that they're a great live band. My only complaint is that the gang vocals could have sounded a little harder. This band honestly has everything in their possession to become one of the greater bands of the current era. A north-american tour would be crucial for these guys. I suggest you get your hands on this record, you will thank us later.

myspace.com/saidanddonehardcore
saidanddone.org
theshieldhardcore.com

-Hugo