Music Review: Vacant Voice’s ‘Waste’ Is 2 Minutes of Pure Hardcore Chaos

Vacant Voice" delivers a powerful punch with their single "Waste." This 2:07 track is explosive, creeps with eerie atmospheric textures, and is unapologetically raw. Simply put, if you love Every Time I Die (ETID), Knocked Loose, Stray from the Path, and Boundaries, then you have found your new favorite underground band. Let's dive into this!

“Waste” doesn't waste any time and delivers an adrenaline rush from the start. Instantly, I wanted to throw down and dance along with the groove of the guitar lick. While the riff is not intricate, its raw tone perfectly complements the raw vocals of singer Sean Madden. 

The unexpected eerie textures, combined with the chugs, enhance the overall atmosphere. This, mixed with the slightly higher-pitched raw vocals, really allows the listeners to focus on the tone and lyrics. Drummer, Shane Murphy, is the unsung hero in this section of the song. His drum groove amplifies everyone else's parts while adding subtle accent hits. Then, transitioning to a double kick drum floor tom pattern with accent hits on the cymbals just makes this part seep with raw energy.

I'm pleased that following the eerie section, the band transitions into a richer pocket sound, letting notes resonate while maintaining the energy. This gives the song a complete feel and highlights why “Vacant Voice” is a band to watch in the future.

The ending dives deep into the hardcore style reminiscent of Boundaries and Knocked Loose. It’s packed with energy that hits the listeners in the ears. Despite its intensity, it concludes in a way that leaves the audience craving more, which is exactly what I want in singles.

The music video, directed and edited by Mikeal Dollak Posch, features a straightforward single-camera shot with post-production effects. This simplicity enhances the video's overall tone. If the video were any different, I believe it would have held the song back from reaching its full potential. This is a great example of how simplicity can be more effective. Well done, Mikeal Dollak Posch.

The engineering, mixing, and mastering by Mikeal Dollak Posch, Spencer Fox, and Josh Schroeder are exceptional. The raw tones are clear, Shane's accent hits are distinct, and both the kick drum and bass are crisp without being muffled. The vocals stand out and aren't overshadowed by other elements. I have noticed more and more for smaller bands that this has become a challenging task, likely due to budget constraints, but it makes me value artists more when they invest wisely in these areas.

The single "Waste" by “Vacant Voice” is now available on all major streaming platforms. If you're in Wisconsin, catch them live on May 22nd and May 23rd. If you enjoy any of the bands I've mentioned, I highly suggest you give "Vacant Voice" a listen and show your support.

Video Here