Qualm - Passive

'Passive'
Qualm
2014

Review by Brayden Bagnall

Genre/s: Hardcore
For Fans Of: Sexdrome, Perspex Flesh, No, Church Whip, Vile Gash

Here at FBN we automatically assume you like it raaawwwwww (baby), even more so if it's paired with hardcore or black metal, so naturally I've dug up the ugliest release I could find for your listening pleasure.
Qualm are a relatively new hardcore outfit from Amsterdam, Netherlands and this here is their relatively new tape, Passive. The nine tracks here are as a negative and dark as they come, and with song titles such as 'Self Loathing' and 'Despicable', you've got a fair indication of the themes on this tape. One could easily liken Qualm to a blackened punk band, with filthy, raw vocals and tinny guitar sound and noisy, dissonant solos, but this thing's just brimming with primal, stompy hardcore energy - just listen to that drum intro on 'Numb' and you'll understand.
Passive, and the band's demo are available on Qualm's bandcamp as pay-what you-want downloads. Keep an eye out for the upcoming physical release too!

TRACKLISTING:
1. Numb
2. Force Fed
3. Trust Issues
4. Despicable
5. Passive
6. Self Loathing
7. Hollow
8. Stretch Marks
9. Filth

Bandcamp