Small Block
Big Drill Car · 1988
16 min · 6 tracks · hardcore punk
Energetic hardcore punk riffs collide with raw, impassioned vocals to create a sound that is both aggressive and melodic.
Top tracks — play these first
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5 Year Itch — The opening track sets a frenetic pace with driving guitars and catchy hooks, encapsulating the band's energetic approach to hardcore punk.
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Let Me Walk — This track showcases a more melodic side of the band while maintaining their punk edge, highlighting their dynamic range and songwriting capabilities.
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Mag Wheel — With its infectious chorus and quick tempo, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge catchy melodies with punk aggression, making it a standout moment on the EP.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases energetic hardcore punk with distinct structures but lacks depth for long-term engagement.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a fast tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and shouted vocals, while the last three tracks introduce more melodic elements.
- Each song features a distinct structure, often alternating between verses of intense energy and more subdued choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quick bursts of raw energy
- short tracks for instant thrills
- impassioned vocals that ignite passion
- punchy anthems for group sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek slower, more reflective sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1988, Small Block marked Big Drill Car's debut EP, introducing their energetic blend of hardcore punk to the scene. The band was still in its formative years, having formed just a year prior, and this release helped solidify their presence in the burgeoning punk underground.
- Stylistic neighbors
- All· Descendents· Pennywise
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 5 Year Itch 3:24
- 2 Glory 2:04
- 3 Les Cochons Sans Polis 2:53
- 4 Let Me Walk 3:01
- 5 Mag Wheel 2:30
- 6 Annie's Needle 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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