The debut EP from post-hardcore heroes Quicksand is a far cry from the wildly compressed rock of the group’s later days, but its reliance on hardcore sensibilities and metallic guitars makes perfect sense in the context of the band’s formation. Led by Walter Schreifels, formerly of the Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand takes a similar musical stance, with plenty of chunky breakdowns and rousing vocal yelps. Giving their first record a bit more credibility is the influence of complicated metal structures throughout the four tracks, mostly in the form of wailing guitars with alternately pummeling chord structures. Schreifels’ voice may not be in its best form here, but he can handle the stretches and he certainly puts his entire heart into every word he sings and screams. Quicksand was unbelievably tight from day one, and there is not an inconsistent moment on this record, from the abrasive opening of “Omission” to the squealing harmonics of “Unfulfilled.” Only the bizarre closer, “Hypno Jam With Dan,” seems a bit out of place, with the inclusion of horns and some jazzy structures. In retrospect, this ability of the band to branch out in different styles would be more evident as they honed their chops on later recordings and projects, making a throwaway track into an actual hint of things to come. Quicksand started loud and ended loud, and this is proof that from the very start they never held back a thing. – Peter J. D’Angelo