This special double-CD/vinyl reissue features two versions of Coalesce‘s Give Them Rope. Disc one contains the original 1997 release (with a slight remastering job), while disc two contains 2004’s Give Them Rope She Said V2.0, a 2004 re-release of the album featuring an alternate mix and mastering job.

So here you have two versions of the same record to pick over. Disc one has the rawer, more “punk” rock mix — murkier than the version on disc two, which has vastly improved sonic clarity. Personally, I prefer the rawness of disc one, though which mix you favor will depend on your opinion of what a hardcore recording should sound like.

Regardless, this is a seminal piece of hardcore. Coalesce were on the more “arty” and experimental side of the 1990s hardcore equation, trailblazing new and interesting ways to pummel you into submission.

There are Sean Ingram’s vocals — more than just shouting, at times he sounds like a wounded bear, and gets even more interesting when he breaks into one of his David Yow-esque tortured vocal turns. He comes off sounding more like a tortured loner than someone who is a cheerleader for the scene. Guitarist Jes Steineger plays notes in odd time signatures, and is not above tossing some good old fashioned feedback-laden grenades into the mix. This style made Coalesce darker, dirtier, and far more interesting than many of their peers who were doing the cookie-cutter “chugga-chugga” breakdown thing. Coalesce must have seem like they came from another planet — I guess for some people, Kansas City is close enough.

This is a great time to pick up this seminal record and revisit the beginnings of one of the true monster bands of modern hardcore. Plus, the CD package includes liner notes from Steineger, which adds perspective to the record.

(Relapse Records, PO Box 2060, Upper Darby, PA 19082)

“Mouth Breather” from PROTECT benefit album

“Have Patience” from Give Them Rope