Review: Gel “Only Constant” (2023) Release
Photo courtesy of @gelhc on Instagram
Attempts at holding my composure listening to Gel’s “Only Constant” (2023) release
New Jersey, hardcore-punk prodigies known as Gel dropped one of the gnarliest albums in 2023 titled, “Only Constant.” I’m only a year late, but it’s still perpetuating the scene in similar ways it was a year ago with elastic and vibrant versions of hardcore, obviously deserving an insane shout-out. Track by track, the record seems to consist of a full-bodied rhythm-groove section overlayed with two or three guitar riffs played at divergent tempos.
Merging that combo with vocalist Sami Kaiser’s bellowing howl, makes for a fat and substantial set awaiting lively mosh pits to get down to their somewhat obvious breakdowns. One thing the scene can count on Gel for, which is made substantially clear with the community’s overwhelming response to “Only Constant,” is they can get a space to move. Forcing passive watchers to fill an empty pit in the middle of the room, Gel’s energy and effectual spirit is what transcends this album, played live or streamed online, to be noted as revolutionary.
Bore from a wave of feedback, the three chord progression that starts off the first track, “Honed Blade,” is shortly followed with a signaling “Ha, ha” from Kaiser, motioning the rest of the band to join in for the remaining one minute and 40 seconds, powerhouse of a song.
Up next is “Fortified,” where Kaiser’s compelling and immensely effective vocal style that resonates similar to an upbeat coach opposing the typical “spin this shit” drillmaster vocals, highlight the positive self-recognition, acceptance, and growth themes shouted out during this song. Evidently, Gel has been able to diverge from the typical barking and narrow version of hardcore that’s so dominant in the scene, through adding texturally interesting musical adjustments, combined with a motivating message and lively performance— this is the kind of shit that demands old-heads stick around for the new wave, and welcomes first-timers with open arms and closed fists.
Barring the track “Calling Card,” featuring rather tawdry voice memos submitted by fans that personally break up the momentum of the album, the rest of the tracks do follow suit to uphold and intensify the Gel lore of “hardcore for the freaks.”
I highly recommend listening to the album fully with no-skips, taking in the lyrics and finalizing thoughts on the album that’s kept Gel touring consistently for the past year, for yourself. Stream “Only Constant!”