The Living End- Hellbound

Released in 1994, this is The Living End's debut EP.

Of course, as a debut EP from some kids still in school, the recording is hardly audiophile quality. On the other hand, the cymbals do sound nice.

Trace of Doubt, The Living End and Mispent Youth are all simple punkabilly thrashes. To me, Trace of Doubt stands out, thanks to some great simple hooks and a catchy chorus. Headlines, despite the great driving energy, is a bit generic. However it's insightful lyrics and wonderful "lonesome guitar" interludes make the song stand out for me.

Hellbound is an incredibly mature effort for a debut EP. First off, it is a brave move for a punk/psychobilly band to use an instrumental as a title track. And what a brilliant instrumental it is. The composition is fantastic and the song has a great "lonesome cowboy" mood.

Every time I hear Tabletop Show, I wish they'd extended the first verse, so that the song has more time to "settle" before the first chorus. Regardless, it's a great sleazy stroller. The menacing, sleazy verses are a highlight. Strange is another break from fast-paced punkabilly. However, I prefer the version on the Prisoner of Society EP, due to the more polished recording quality.

So Lonely is a cute little pop/rockabilly ditty, very similar in feel to Stray Cat Strut. Musically, it's not that interesting, but I find the lyrics endearing.

Favourite songs

Trace of Doubt, Hellbound, Tabletop Show, Headlines, So Lonely

Wortwhile?

Yes. Not just as the forebear to the band's later albums, but as a great little collection of songs in its own right. I think it's more than nostalgia; if another band released an like tomorrow, I'm pretty sure I'd be all over it...