Greber/Hiroshima Vacation
Split

May 2013
Released: 2013, Suburban White Trash Records
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Aaron Yurkiewicz

I love a good grindcore 7” split, and I know you do too. Which is exactly why you’ll want to check out this upcoming split release from two exceptional underground superstars, Greber and Hiroshima Vacation. Greber is a side project from Fuck the Facts bass player Marc Bourgon and The Great Sabatini drummer Steve Vargas, while Hiroshima Vacation have been steadily making a name for themselves in underground circles. The two bands each contribute 3 tracks to the split and offer distinctly different approaches to their craft, resulting in a collectively enjoyable 15 minutes of grind pleasure.



Greber is a drum and bass two man combo, but make no mistake – this aint’ a techno band. Bourgon’s bass rumbles louder and gnarlier than most guitar players, and gives the listener a whole new respect for what a menacing instrument the four string can be. Comparatively, Greber shares some familiarity with bands like Fuck the Facts and Magrudergrind, so take both of those as positive endorsements. Greber’s contributions range from full frontal frantic freakout to uncomfortably slow and painful down tempo marches, but its great stuff.



Hiroshima Vacation is a more traditional, yet no less entertaining grindcrust trio from lovely Ithaca, New York. I wasn’t familiar with the band prior to hearing this split, but stylistically I was immediately reminded of Extreme Noise Terror and SCUM-era Napalm Death, so yes, it’s pretty awesome as well. Their first two tracks are complete ragers, scorching with discordant riffs and blast beats, while “Fit Etiquette” is a slow n’ low dirge that sounds like the Melvins had a baby with Discharge.



The bad news is that the split doesn’t release until June, but the good news is that you can check out samples via the included Bandcamp link. Plus, if you haven’t done so already, it gives you some time to do your homework on both bands, particularly Greber’s 2010 full length HOMETOWN HEROIN. Either way, this is a must have for grind fanatics.