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Neighborz - “Lost Feathers” (Hell Xis Records, 2023)

I am very proud of the Portuguese Hardcore scene. I am immensely proud of the Portuguese music scene in general. We go from A to B, from Heavy to Mellow. We cover all the genres, and more, and do it with good taste and quality. The Hardcore scene has always been very solid, with bands from all over the spectrum and more. On it since 2007, Neighborz released their new EP, “Lost Feathers”, very recently, and I am going on a ride with the lads.

The Lisbon based Hardcore machine has always given us a very powerful Hardcore, and the new EP follows that line. 5 tracks are all it takes to confirm that their flame is alive and well. Opener “Lost Feathers” is an exquisite slap in the face, period. It is a very dynamic track, going from the standard hard & heavy Hardcore, to a slower pace, giving it an even heavier ambience. The second track is, again, a tune that goes up, then down, the up again. Never a dull moment, never a moment of rest. 

Halfway through the EP, “Three Times Six”, with guests, has us rocking to an almost Satriani moment… joking. The guitar solo sets the tone for the whole atmosphere: dark and heavy. Really like the entire groove of the song, very stomping and “in your face”. That break and the jump into the solo is a must and makes for the track! 

Fourth track in, and we get again a dark and heavy atmosphere. Would love to know the inspiration behind these songs, as they all sound so dense and with an almost palpable melancholy. Anyway, a new guest, and now I get why all is so dark and somber: the track is dedicated to the late SYC vocalist, Diogo. And it makes sense now… heavy. 

Fifth track, and it keeps on growing, keeps on beating you up. And this one is sung in Portuguese, just like “Inquilinos da Morte”. Extra love for that.

Truly enjoyed what they did here, and although the vocals are a bit hard for me to swallow, the bigger picture makes it look pretty good and composed, so fuck the whining! Hard, melodic, groovy, slow… these 5 tracks are all over the place, and how good does that sound?! A lot…

Neighborz Official Bandcamp

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