I have always felt that Beatdown is a subgenre that demands significant experience to truly master. The American band LCTR stands out as one of the contemporary hardcore legends. Their latest EP, These Streets, marks the debut recording with their new drummer, Ethan Donnelly. Let’s explore this further and prepare for some serious headbanging!
The “These Streets” EP features three tracks, beginning with “In Regards to Elvis.” I consider this track an excellent representation of a Beatdown hit! As you may know, this subgenre originates from hardcore punk and metalcore, characterised by its heavy, aggressive, and breakdown-centric sound.
- The powerful vocals delivered by Travis Simmons are complemented by slow, crushing breakdowns.
- These breakdowns are skillfully executed by Tim Madison (Guitar – Vocals), Greg Branch (Bass), and their remarkable new drummer, Ethan Donnelly.
“Ethan brings a raw, instinctive energy to the band that immediately clicked with the rest of us,” says lead vocalist Travis Simmons. “These Streets captures where we’ve been and where we’re headed—it’s heavier, sharper, and more honest than anything we’ve done before.”
As I immersed myself in “Funeral Lust,” I appreciated how it maintained the same breakdown mood while introducing a more aggressive and thrashy rhythmic style. The harsh growls and impressive screams added to its intensity, creating an iconic raw atmosphere. In fact, this song made me feel as though I was experiencing the best of two great bands from different eras.
I am truly captivated by LCTR’s musical diversity. Take a listen to “A Committee of Vultures,” where I was amazed by its remarkable fusion of extreme, thrash, hardcore, and even heavy metal elements. Absolutely! These four seasoned musicians excel at creating a vibe that inspires continuous headbanging! Each track on the EP tells its own story, intricately weaving narratives of struggle, resilience, and the raw, unfiltered essence of urban life.
As LCTR gears up for a series of live performances to promote the EP, they promise a show that will be as unforgettable as the music itself—an immersive experience that captures the essence of their powerful sound and the energy of their dedicated fanbase. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newcomer to the beatdown hardcore scene, “These Streets” is set to be a defining moment in LCTR‘s career. Get ready to lose yourself in the music and find your place among the throngs of headbanging fans who understand that these streets tell stories worth hearing.
