Melbourne trio Useless Children have released an EP entitled SKIN, containing three of the band’s abrasive punk rock tunes; a distorted window into what this band have to offer. I can’t really see how such a release, no matter how brash, could really capture what this band create live, but each bass-heavy tune tries its best to recreate the almost-impossible.

The EP’s namesake, "Skin" is probably the best example of the hectic nature of this bands live performance: two minutes of a cursed scream, battling against a rage of wailing guitar and drums.

The following track, "Nameless", is much the same; a short track of teenage aggression. Though I'm not particularly fond of the female lead vocals, the singer does manage to possess a desparation that radiates well with all the songs.

Finishing it all off is "People Come, People Go", my favourite song of the release. It’s a little slower but expresses an intelligence, the cut-throat quality far more subtle; it makes for a greater desire to listen to again and again, rather than the more sonically-assaulting earlier ones, which are a flash-in-the-pan, a momentary high that doesn’t have the same effect on second listen if immediately after.

It’s not a very interesting release, but cranked up on your stereo, it’s an exciting ten or so minutes to incite a riot, to have a scream, to just kick shit in. Though to really experience the full force of this band, skip the EP and just see them live.

6/10