Covert Contracts, the debut LP from Ali Carter, Al Creedon (I IM EYE MY, Bleeding Rainbow), and Alex Lichtenauer (HIRS), a.k.a. Control Top, is out via Get Better Records. An anticipatory aggression jumpstarts album opener, “Type A”. For those who think that they control society, Carter suggests, “Why don’t you get out/Get out of my way!” A contagious backend thump, stressed with finely shredded, guitar exclamations, creates a catchy, assertive tone, invigorating one’s extremities.

With “Office Rage,” the power trio taps into the internal turmoil that one experiences while being perpetually unhappy at a desk job. As the guitar rattles and the percussion barrels ahead, its protagonist laments “…Service with a smile, eat shit,” before coming to the conclusive resolution. “Office rage digging your own grave/don’t you dare delay quit your job today!” (And start a kick-ass band.) “Chain Reaction” engulfs the listener as the domino effects of deeds is exposed in contagious couplets. The impactful consequences of one’s ego-driven actions races ahead as the initial flame increases in size.

“Unapologetic” builds in jarring fashion as frustration is voiced: “I’m sorry but… doesn’t count, weak excuses start to mount. It wasn’t your intention you say to make me feel this goddamn way.” And with the refrain – “Who’s the bull in the china shop now?” – that release of emotion amid fuzzy, noise-laced instrumentation exudes strength as Carter calmly delivers, “Unapologetic cold and apathetic/ Unapologetic never said it like you meant it.” The power has switched hands – “Who’s the bull in the china shop now?!”

Title track, “Covert Contracts,” pushes the pace, addressing addiction to technology and its ramifications. “First step is to give up your attention; next step is to give up your intention. Then one day, you’re locked up for dissension. It was all built into the invention.” We’ve turned over free will for the convenience of endless information at our fingertips. “Everything looks like a commercial; it’s a brand to be controversial,” while feelings of isolation encircle as “Betrayed” touches on the disappointments of betrayal across a litany of individuals and concepts. “What do you do when you’re all alone?”

Embracing personal evolution and accepting one’s individuality, “Prism” simply exudes confidence. “You can be many things and still be whole. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” The song reaches out in its anthemic chorus, before “Black Hole” rockets into the void, closing out the album. As a dichotomy of ideas bounce off each other, “Nothing is given, and we’re always taking.” With their first full-length album, Control Top break loose from societal conventions, with self-confidence, determination and personal acceptance, allowing nothing and no one to stand in their way. (Photo by Chris Sikich) – Michael Colavita

A disjointed, frenetic sound disperses from the quartet of Eat on their new EP Dance and Die. An undercurrent of potential energy lies waiting for the switch to be flipped and that last beer to kick in. The swirl of instrumental chaos merges with lyrics delivered as internalized pensions, revealed to the world as stress-releasing confessions. Look out for Eat at a pit near you.