When Big Ups began in 2010 they were four NYU seniors playing bratty, elemental punk that seemed to indicate some Descendents worship; "I'm doing everything I can possibly do to ensure that you hate me," singer Joe Galarraga spewed in snotty shouts on one demo. Those are endearing roots, but fortunately Big Ups have gotten a lot better since then. The seething, existential post-hardcore of "Goes Black" sounds like they very well may have caught that Moss Icon reunion last year. Galarraga's anxious introspection hovers darkly about-- melodic turns of phrase cover indecision, strife, the passing of time-- and then busts eardrums with straight-ahead hardcore throttle. "What happens when it all goes black?" Galarraga screams, "And I'm lying here dying/ And I'm trying to think back?" Big Ups ask big-picture questions on "Goes Black" and leave little doubt that they are looking here to be saved.

[from Eighteen Hours of Static out 10/8 via Dead Labour]