End It - “New Wage Slavery”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…ZULU, Rage Against the Machine, Soul Glo

Baltimore hardcore band End It intently scream and rage on their latest EP Unpleasant Living, blasts of energy-thrashing political raps that wrap up six tracks in under eight minutes time. Serious and striking, there’s hints of melodic rock in their riffs that take them a small step beyond their strong hardcore roots. It’s a hard genre to sound any type of unique, but End It’s approach feels fresh and matches the socially critical lyrics with weirdly accessible abrasion. While there’s interesting details in their music, overall this is a visceral sound that should rattle live. (Kevin McStravick)