CoC : Semi-Auto Reflex - Semi-Auto Reflex : Review

Semi-Auto Reflex - _Semi-Auto Reflex_
by: Adrian Bromley (3 out of 5)

Surfacing from the ashes of now defunct Toronto techno/hardcore/metal faves Monster Voodoo Machine comes hardcore/metal outfit Semi-Auto Reflex, a band that has potential to get somewhere if they play their cards right. It's in the music, baby! Having been a *big* MVM fan, and seeing that most of SAR is made up of MVM alumni, it isn't hard to pick up some of the hardcore-esque qualities and sounds that proved to be an integral part of MVM. But forget the MVM past and let's get down to business. This six-song demo by the band is bursting at the seams with true conviction and rawness. Lashing out at us with killer riffs and a cool-ass groove, SAR totally manages to meld hardcore and metal with ease. Reminiscent to more metal-oriented versions of Sick of It All, Biohazard, or maybe (somewhat) the Cro-Mags, SAR's debut demo features strong songs with noteworthy numbers like "Nameless/Faceless" and the odd, but cool cover version of the Talking Heads' "Burning Down the House". A band to watch out for if you live in or near the Toronto area.

Contact: SEMI-AUTO REFLEX, 38 Greensides Avenue

(article published 9/4/1997)