Mindset
Nothing Less
React! Records
Review by Hutch
Release Date: Jan 15, 2015
Hardcore can be criticized for being an over-saturated
genre, especially with bands that stick to a simple formula. I will always and love
that formula. So, even the average band will get me charged. But then there are
the bands that hone that formula and play with skill on their instruments a
searing conviction. Those bands rise above. Mindset is such a band. Sadly, they
will be playing their final show in 2016, never to release music again. 
Mindset is a current band not lost in the sweeping, dissonant,
ethereal influence that is so common. They are heavy without being metal. This
is straight hardcore, played exceptionally and with worthy production. This is
music made to played live, with angry kids flying off the stage and sweat
drenched bodies climbing over each other to vent their own strife. These five
dudes, loyal to the Straight Edge, got together from the northeast, calling
Maryland a central location, in 2008. Their main core of releases, three EP’s
and an LP, have all been on React! Records. They have had limited tour and live
releases on other labels.
The sound is fast. The lyrics are spit quickly over
unrelenting drums, riding the bass and toms as a snare pounds in 4/4 time. The
guitars pause for open chords, which predictably lead into two-step parts and
breakdowns. Again, though, these songs are played with such strength and rage
that they defy any misnomer of cookie cutter or formulaic hardcore. There is
not much to write without redundancy. That said, I have played these three
tracks on repeat many times and not grown tired. This is one hell of a last statement
for an amazing band.
Members of: Clear, Praise, Give, WARXGAMES, Peace
RIYL: Youth of Today, Chain of Strength, Wide Awake,
Betrayed, In My Eyes, Clear, Get the Most, Down to Nothing, The First Step
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