Review / 200 Words Or Less
Under Anchor
There is No End

Truth and Justice (2007) Michael

Under Anchor – There is No End cover artwork
Under Anchor – There is No End — Truth and Justice, 2007

Despite my close proximity to the state, it's been quite a while since I've heard something new from Michigan that's caught my interest. Under Anchor is the first band to do so in a while. They are a three-piece hardcore band that draws equally from the youth-crew sound and metallic hardcore of the 90's.

There is No End is the debut full-length from the band. Over the course of these ten songs the band unleashes a dramatic concoction of hardcore that could put the band on bills alongside Have Heart or Verse. For the most part the band sticks to two/three-minute songs with mid-paced riffing and breakdowns with shouted vocals. Occasionally the band does mix into some more chaotic moments, but for the most part they stick to what they do best. Lyrically things concern themselves with typical topics: loss, loneliness, betrayal, etc. A nice accompaniment to the lyrics is brief explanations, which gives the band a more down to earth quality. Overall, a good debut that shows promise.

6.5 / 10Michael • June 16, 2008

Under Anchor – There is No End cover artwork
Under Anchor – There is No End — Truth and Justice, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Miller Lowlifes

Pinch Hitters
ADD Records (2025)

The debut album from Florida punk band Miller Lowlifes features a vintage baseball theme, best enjoyed with a can of cheap domestic beer in hand. The metaphor fits, as Pinch Hitters focuses on the American dream -- and where it stands in 2025. The vintage educational TV audio clips add to this past-meets-present theme. It's an album that's equally about … Read more

Art Brut

Sorry, That It Doesn't Sound Like It's Planned! Battling Satan, 2009 - 2020
Edsel Records (2025)

I’ve never reviewed a box set before but Art Brut released my favourite sprechgesang anti-art-punk album of the early aughts so I figured I’d give it a go. 2005’s Bang Bang Rock & Roll placed Art Brut among the “Art Wave” scene but was more post-punk revival than “Indie Sleaze”. Argos has cited Jonathan Richman and Axl Rose as his … Read more

The Slow Death

No Light To See
Don’t Sing Records (2025)

Few bands have as fitting a name as The Slow Death. They play forlorn, self-deprecating punk that’s heavily influenced by lonesome country. The music itself is more driving and punchy, but many of the lyrics would fit just well in a somber old-timey country ballad. It’s forceful music that punches inward instead of at The Man. The first song is … Read more