UNDER THE RUNNING BOARD

This is The Dillinger Escape Plan's first Relapse Records release which features much more of a genre bending edge than it's self-titled predecessor, also a fantastic record. The first track, "The Mullet Burden", is a staple of in the Dillinger Escape Plan's live set and is the song that first brought the band to the critics' attention. From the opening riff to the final blast of energy, it is amazing to think that such a short track can say so much. The same can be said for the remainder of the EP in the following two tracks "Sandbox Magician" and "Abe The Cop".

This disc made quite a statement concerning the 'hardcore' scene at the time and what the future could look forward to in the world of progressive music. That's a lot to say in seven and a half minutes.

I don't think it would be fair to proclaim an EP as a band's best 'album'... so I won't. But this disc is without flaw and it's three tracks are all of the highest caliber. Were it a full length album and maintained it's already perfect track record it would easily be THE greatest extreme metal/prog metal album ever. Regardless, this has to be amongst the most satisfying listening experiences I can expose myself to again and again without it losing that "wow" factor... and that warrants five stars.