At the Speed of Light

Except for Quicksand's masterpiece Slip, there might not be a finer example of progressive hardcore than Stillsuit's At the Speed of Light. After achieving underground success with their debut EP Green Spock Ears, the New York quartet signed with fledgling TVT imprint Building Records -- run by famed hardcore producer Don Fury (Helmet, Orange 9mm) -- and released this awesome 14-track collection. Stillsuit make their avant-hardcore claim via complex musical figures that create an untraditional, but spectacular brand of thinking man's punk. The ‘90s New York hardcore scene featured numerous bands inspired by the success of Helmet and Quicksand; Stillsuit's songwriting and performance achievements stand above many, if not all of these acts. Julian Vasquez (vocals,) Dimi Douvas (drums,) Orlando Arce (guitars) and Manuel Carrero deserve extra credit for creating such a forward-thinking record while each member was under the age of 23. Fans of punk, hardcore, metal, prog or just plain good rock music would all be wise to pick up At the Speed of Light at the earliest opportunity.