Mohinder - O Nation, You Bleed From Many Wounds, 1896 | The Shape of Screamo to Come
Release Information:
11/1993
Unleaded Records
Cupertino, CA (NorCal)
Runtime: 8:51
Tracks: 5
Band Members:
Canaan Amber
Clay Parton
Albert Menduno
James Uhring
Genres, Influences and Characteristics:
Post-Hardcore, Screamo, Noise Rock, Emocore, Unnerving, Frantic, Lofi
Musical Analysis:
A haunting, driving bassline is the harbinger of things to come on Mohinder’s debut EP, showcasing both the menacing, dissonant nature of the harmonies and the galvanic pace. The restless drumming, active guitar riffs, noisy dissonance and strained screaming vocals create a sinister atmosphere. The band often oscillates between intimidating slow-tempo Screamo and breakneck Hardcore passages, done in a manner that emphasizes each instrument in one way or the other. Despite the short runtime, the songs are varied enough to stand out for one reason or another. In particular, Mohinder infect several songs with short, lofi sections of utter noise and chaos, contrasting with the better-produced higher-intensity moments.
Historical Analysis:
Let’s get the obvious out of the way - much of this band would go on to form influential Indie Rockers Duster, but that’s not what this project is about. Mohinder pushed beyond the constraints of Hardcore Punk while also elevating the intensity of the moodier Emocore influences, giving us both a Post-Hardcore masterclass and a seminal Screamo starting point. They would expand upon their explosivity in future releases, but their debut showcases the differences between Hardcore Punk, Emocore and early Screamo while showcasing how clearly and closely they’re related.
Lyrical Analysis:
The singer’s confrontational nature is sprawled across all of the verses, succinctly exhorting of humanity’s neverending pursuit of materialism, warning the greedy, questioning the purpose of our constant suffering and the dredge of helplessness, isolation and anger he harbors, perhaps at society or inward at himself. The aggression is always directed at something in these lyrics, and with both personal and social ills addressed, this would be a common thematic roadmap for Screamo bands.
