Compilations are great sometimes. You get a chance to check out a wide array of bands and sometimes are pleasantly surprised when you come across a band that you had not heard previously. On the Rock Against Bush comps, there are numerous stand-out tracks, but on Volume 2 it's "State of Fear" from Useless ID that made me want to hear more from this band. Hailing from the punk mecca that is Haifa, Israel comes Useless ID. I shouldn't say that, there may well be a thriving scene over there, but this is an outstanding hybrid pop punk / hardcore release. on Rock V. Bush "State of Fear" was a driving hardcore anthem and it's found on this release too. Having heard that, I expected more of the same, but I was pleasantly surprised at the variety. At times it's funny like on "Drinkage", other times it's quite serious for example on "Redemption" and at all times, it's melodic and memorable punk.
I sometimes use the word complexity to offer the reader the perspective that there are musical layers that get uncovered over the course of an album. The word simplicity is more appropriate for Useless ID. There is a very pleasing simplicity to this entire record. It's hard-charging punk, with some pop-punk harmonies and I find that the entire album as a whole is strikingly complete. The whole album is greater than the sum of its parts! This is in fact a great rock record. Great production, outstanding musicianship, solid vocals and it sounds like the band is playing music, just to play music. Again, it's very complete...there's some New Found Glory-esque pop-punk numbers like "Kiss Me, Kill Me" and "Everything Turns Red". There is some NUFAN influence on "It's Alright" and "Dying Love" and there is very intense hardcore, a la Strung Out on "Suffer For The Fame".
Having said all that, you might be thinking that the band is "all over the map" in terms of an identity? Not at all, I think that's the charm of the ID of Useless ID, it's simple variety. I'm reminded of Lawrence Arms. There is a Lawrence Arms sound, but each song is delivered in a distinct manner. Same goes for highly relevant Useless ID!
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