First Listen: The Austerity Program’s Backsliders and Apostates Will Burn EP

The Austerity Program’s Backsliders and Apostates Will Burn is a 4-song EP that has already rattled my brain and left me craving more.  If there is one criticism I have after this first listen, it is that it’s too damn short, clocking in at just under 20 minutes.  How has a band like The Austerity Program flown under my radar for so long? These dudes (there are just two of ‘em and a drum machine) do pain and sorrow via my preferred method: heavy, distortion-drenched low-frequency riffage and brutally direct lyrics.  As a music fan who openly worships at the altar of Steve Albini, just stumbling upon The Austerity Program is like finding a rare unearthed jewel.  They appear to have tapped into the same cosmic, creative energy that possessed Big Black, Rapeman and Shellac, but in a way that is completely unique and their own.  I’m enamored by the quality of the recording.  The low-end crunch that drives all four tracks is countered by the clarity of vocalist Justin Foley’s lyrical torrent.  This is an EP for end times, my friends, and I fucking love it.

Given that the EP will not be released until May 4^th, I will certainly well exceed the ten listen mark by the time this record hits shelves.  Keep this one on your radar; you’ll be glad you did.  In the meantime, if you’re in the NYC/MA/RI area, you can see The Austerity Program get ready for their new record release.  Apparently they don’t play out that often, so jump on this one!

Friday, 4/29 – Unit 11 in Boston w/ Disappearer and Phantom Glue
Saturday, 5/1 – 17 Mules in Providence w/ Disappearer and Phantom Glue
Sunday, 5/2 – Union Pool in Brooklyn w/ Disappearer and Phantom Glue

Editor’s Note: This is not the album art, because there isn’t any yet.  That’s how fresh to death we keep it. Very extrmemly fresh. Thanks, to Blue Collar Distro for the artwork. They are even fresher to deather than us.