Living Proof
Living Proof keeps Drain's heavy hardcore concise and energetic while allowing a few useful changes of direction. The fast guitar playing and substantial breakdowns remain central, with Sammy Ciaramitaro's rough voice giving the songs a recognisable character. The music has an immediate appeal, although its strength comes more from the delivery than a completely new set of ideas.
Run Your Luck provides a forceful opening. Thick guitar riffs and quick rhythmic movement give the song a direct sense of purpose. The sharper metal influence adds excitement around the heavier groove, making the performance feel both tightly controlled and eager to move forward.
FTS (KYS) keeps that pressure high. Its abrasive guitar sound and active rhythm section give the vocal plenty to work against, with the instruments remaining substantial rather than disappearing behind the shouting. The first half largely follows this heavier approach, moving through short songs without allowing the breakdowns to dominate the whole sequence.
Intermission gives the second half a different entrance. Shakewell's rap feature begins over piano and a trap beat before the music moves into a much thicker hardcore groove. The connection matters: the change offers another texture without feeling completely detached from the band around it.
Good Good Things provides a second, more melodic contrast. Drain keep the Descendents song recognisable while giving the arrangement extra weight. Ciaramitaro's cleaner singing works well with the tune, showing a different side of his delivery without making the performance feel out of place.
Those two departures help the remaining heavier material retain its impact. The production keeps the guitar sound clear and forceful, and the compact running time suits the direct writing. There is little room for the energy to become a long test of endurance.
The main weakness is how familiar the broader approach remains. Some of the writing has less individuality than the performances, and the straightforward lyrics do not always add much depth. Even so, Living Proof is a convincing record with strong rhythmic force and well-chosen contrasts. Drain make the most of their established sound while giving it enough variation to stay engaging.
