Philadephia’s Lighten Up does not waste any time on “Absolutely Not”. Opener “Invisible Checks” has an intro of exactly 6 seconds before the band gets into it at breakneck speeds and they never look back after that. With them tearing their way through 12 songs in a mere 17 minutes, I’m not sure if one should call this a full-length. But it sure is a lot of fun.

Influenced by the likes of Paint It Black, Kid Dynamite, Minor Threat, Bad Brains and lots of other big names, Lighten Up are living proof that hardcore music still rules when done well. All you need is a bunch of pissed off guys, loud guitars, thundering guitars and a couple of melodies and you’re there. It definitely makes “Absolutely Not” a great and raw hardcore album that you can sink your teeth in. Or knock someone else’s teeth out when in the pit. It’s all good.