R'N'R = AC/DC-core

Boston boasts a hefty resume of hardcore music, going back to SS Decontrol and D.Y.S. R'N'R keeps greater Boston's tradition alive, but brings a unique sound to the otherwise bland hardcore of today. While many bands are ripping off Iron Maiden riffs, R'N'R is turning to AC/DC and Thin Lizzy for inspiration, belting out a bastard child which will make long-hairs and floor-punchers equally happy. This leaves the record presenting me with an interesting decision to make while listening to it -- should I finger point and jump in the pile-on or head bang like I was at a Nuge concert?\nMeetings of style, and hardcore music in general, typically lack originality and this comes through in their lyrics about rockin' out, unity and being hard to the core. Fortunately, the vocals are drowned out by the 10-track, ass-kicking they dish out, or annoyance would prevail. "Can't Stop the Rock" kicks everything off '70s rock-style as the record moves through a seamless combination of classic New England rage and classic rock chops which take it from heavy to melodic and back again. "Gone" and "Move Up" stand out of the melee as the best tracks, but at the same time solidify that this record isn't anything groundbreaking. But who needs originality to rock like this?