Powerviolence means many things to many people. Some claim the term only applies to the bands referenced in the Man is the Bastard song where it all started. Others will tell you it’s a grindcore-adjacent subgenre that was created to parody the machismo of hardcore by playing a similar style exponentially faster. And then there are those who slap the title on anything with blast beats. However you define the label, it’s best to not take yourself too seriously and just enjoy the music.
That’s exactly what Tampa-based trio SPIT have set out to do with their debut album, Peasant. The 18-song full-length (if you can call it that) clocks in at just under 13 minutes, proving these guys are here for a good time and not a long time. In fact, one track even rivals Napalm Death’s ‘You Suffer’ for record-breaking brevity. Seriously. At only two seconds long, ‘Die Again’ may earn these Florida lads a spot in the next Guinness Book of Records. But until then, let’s talk about the tunes.
Peasant begins with an ominous industrial intro courtesy of Apoc Siren (Justin Garcia of Church Whip and Divisions fame), setting the tone for the destruction to follow. Once the final notes of the intro ring out, SPIT commence a relentless sonic attack led by the frenzied shrieks of vocalist and guitarist Tim Anderson. Early on the band displays a sound clearly influenced by the likes of Yacøpsæ and Hellnation, blending breakneck bursts of speed with the occasional groove part to keep things interesting. Following an onslaught of blast beats and rapid tempo changes from absolute madman drummer Dylan Colón, the album comes to a screeching halt halfway through with a trudging drum-and-bass track reminiscent of Crossed Out at their slowest.
Just when it seems the coast is clear, SPIT double down on the madness. The second half of Peasant showcases the band’s versatility, proving their ability to incorporate a diverse range of sounds in a short span of time without losing momentum. Do they play faster? Maybe. Do they play slower? Absolutely. Between spasms of frantic violence, SPIT inject brief spurts of downtempo sludge grounded by bassist Giani Martinez, giving us half a moment to catch our breath before yanking us back into the sonic whirlwind.
But once we’ve finally regained a semblance of sanity, a familiar sound returns: that electronic pulse from only minutes ago, the sound of a synth breathing its death rattle. And then, silence. While the album may have ended sooner than you expected, the good news is you can play it twice on your lunch break. And you should.
Stream Peasant below and catch the band on their upcoming tour during your summer vacation.
