Leeds' Canvas open the disc with three incredible tracks of blistering invective. It is obvious that the listener is in for something special as the throbbing intro to "Womb Plague" gives way to the ferociously technical guitars which are then joined by the impassioned vocals, spitting forth acid lyrics. Canvas' music is characterised by immense fury coupled with spectacular invention and the three tracks here are magnificent examples of this. Sounds as BASIC as Spectrum loading noises mix with ultra heavy metallic guitars and all manner of atmospherics. Track two, "R.S.I." is almost forlorn, building slowly from mechanical origins, with desperate vocals, tearing words out: "Bastard blood runs red through the skies onto the city. Anchoring me to a pillow of broken glass where I gently lay my head."

There are few bands as challenging and remarkable as Canvas and they have carried the momentum built up by last years self-titled release through to this E.P. Impossible to categorize, and difficult to describe, they are rapidly emerging as perhaps the country's most exciting band. What can I say? Give them your attention. (10)

The second half of the EP is given over to the phenomenon that is Hard to Swallow. Following up last year's "Protected by the Ejaculation of Serpents" they vomit out five of their monstrous creations for the listener's delectation.

Sharing personnel with Iron Monkey, Hard to Swallow deal in super extreme grindcore/powerviolence, twin vocalists lurching all over tracks such as "To Have and to Loathe" and "Run with the Hunted" (Bukowski reference?). So heavy they're likely to sink into the ground, theirs is an unrelenting, pummelling noise with a real nasty streak.

If you like it dirty, then Hard to Swallow are for you. (9)

For further info on this release contact Contrition Records at P.O.BOX 187, Leeds, LS6 1LH, England.

E-mail contrition@cwcom.net