Record Label: Nitro Records
Genre: Punk
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com

Forming in September of 2004, the lads that encompass Hit the Switch came together with a vast array of experience and immediately set out to record an album. Hailing from California, these punks have composed a fantabulous release for Nitro records who signed them in early 2006. DTandSI exhibits pure guttersnipe, yeah I said guttersnipe bitches! Where have these guys been for the past few years?

Vocalist Matthew Hawks has that distinct quality to his voice that is comparable to the bastard child of Propagandhi frontman Chris Hannah and NOFX’s Fat Mike if they were to procreate. He has an umitigated resonance that onslaughts the listener and pulls them into the mosh pit. Musically speaking, the band is tight and plays with a fervor that has become all but extinct in today’s mainstream punk. Hence the beauty of this release is revealed. Make absolutely no mistake people, this is not an album that will register huge numbers on myspace. Nor will it put Nitro Records over the top or garner the band worldwide recognition. It’s unfortunate but true.

The band rages through a variety of pertinent issues at a perilous pace. Hawks simplifies the bands ideology when he states “We just want to make people aware of what they’re contributing to everydayto be conscious of what’s out there and who is accountable.” And that is a damn fine thing. Hit the Switch is one of only a handful of acts today that have something important to say and do so in a manner that isn’t whiny or preachy. They simply say here’s the issue, now what?’

From start to finish the pace is pushed to the brink and the listener is subjugated to a sonic epiphany. “The March of Dissent” opens with a blazing symphony of palm-muted madness that is pushed along by a bulging baseline and full throttle drum work. Then Hawks intervenes and lays down an assault complete with gang sing-alongs. Four tracks down the road a :29 second slap in the face occurs with Mr.Abrasive.’ At position 10, my personal favourite, Mind Rape Culture’ begins with a nice bass line followed by the whole gang getting involved. There are a couple of pace changes and sing-alongs that will surely inspire madness at their live performances.

Hit the Switch has hit the mark with their debut for Nitro. I thoroughly enjoyed this release from start to finish. It has rightfully earned a steady rotation in my daily repertoire. I would predict that these guys will fast become a staple of the Warped Tour for years to come.

Bottom Line: Fast paced punk bliss. Music with a message. This album fuckin’ rocks….hard! Heed my words and take a listen. If you don’t you will be smacked sideways by the omnipresent hand of the Goldblum.
Notable Tracks: Tracks 1-12
Overall Rating: