Sickend

It’s now all the rage to describe things that once were “cool” as “sick,” so Sickend has the benefit of a buzz word built into its name. Among Sickend’s other selling points: well-crafted tunes that see the band execute subtle variations in pace, a singer/ shouter (Steve Brown) who’s skilled at conveying angst by repeating the same phrase at elevating volume, and two talented guitarists whose interaction powers the tunes. Having formed fairly recently, Sickend remains raw, but these three incendiary songs prove the group has its priorities straight — loud, heavy, and brutal. Melodies might eventually follow, but this five-piece already possesses enough raw energy to put on a sick show.