Converge - Live at the BBC (2014)

There is a room at the BBC called Studio MV4. This studio has recorded the likes of Napalm Death, Carcass, and even The Cure. Back in 2010, Converge walked through its door to have their own sounds committed to tape. However many songs they actually recorded, they recently announced a 4-song 7" from that session, featuring three songs from 2009's Axe to Fall and one rare treat from 2004's You Fail Me. Maybe I'm just one of those Converge fans, but what caused me to nearly wet myself when I saw this 7" announced is that "Hanging Moon" (my 2nd favorite Converge song) is performed electrically, where the original recording was performed with acoustic guitars.

This record is quite simply Converge ripping through four of their songs in a live setting with no aftereffects or backing tracks added. As per Converge standards, each performance is flawless and each member is all over their instrument. From the moment you put this beautiful record on, the energy of Converge's live show pummels its way through your speakers with calculated reckless abandon, creating the same emotions given on their studio recordings but with the urgency and immediacy of their in-person experience. Each song feels like its studio rendition, but somehow different - it is clear that the band has played these songs untold numbers of times on the road, and that repitition has made them more comfortable blazing through each one in their own unique style. It's almost - almost - like they're more relaxed performing these heart-wrenching, pulse-pounding songs than they might have been previously. How anyone could get used to playing Converge songs, I have no idea.

Also, the artwork and packaging for this 7" is beyond beautiful. The cover design is classic J. Bannon design taken up several notches in technicality, being more layered and having more depth than some of his more iconic work. The actual 7" cover features a lovely metallic tint that gives the wonderful design even more life. You need to hold this in your hands to experience it (buy the damn record!)

If you've never listened to Converge, I would strongly advise finding the studio recordings of these songs before checking this out, but to even the casual Converge fans reading, this needs to be a part of your collection.

1. Dark Horse
2. Axe to Fall
3. Damages
4. Hanging Moon

Rating: 6 / 10

BUY 7"/Merch: Deathwish /// KingsRoad

-Brian