And now for something completely obscure; presenting "Addiction" a very little known EP from a nobody band called Betrayed, featuring members you've never heard of... GOTCHA! You know very well who and what I'm talking about here. This band has been hyped to death on message boards and other hardcore sites such as this one. Still, true to my game, I hadn't heard the CD until I found it lying at my doorstep. I was getting tired of hearing Betrayed this, Betrayed that, so good thing the record showed up just in time, or I would have written off that band forever! Most of the readers on this site have heard of Betrayed thanks to their latest tour with Champion. I personally was completely out in the cold about that band though. My perception changed immediately when I checked out their bio and lyrics. Betrayed are 100% pure straight edge hardcore, with a very mature stance on subjects that have been flogged beyond words by countless unimaginative bands. The whole "30 year olds Straight Edge perspective" thing sits very well with me, it's about time people realize the edge is not a gang or an identity, but rather a conscious lifestyle choice. For most of us, anyway. On the other hand, if the lyrics turn you off or don't appeal to you at all, you still have the music to check out. As far as I'm concerned, this is the most disappointing aspect of Betrayed. This is completely how I imagined it. Very melodic, catchy but incredibly predictable and generic. I fail to see the so-called Todd Jones genius in this, although this guy deserves my total respect for working so god damn hard for everything he has. At least the music is written with aggressivity and rage in mind and that translates very well... but it just doesn't live up to the hype. Regardless, I am confident a full-length album could change all that for me. If they take the time to come up with something surprising yet relatable, they'll have a clear winner on their hands. But if they decide to go back with their proven-but-archaic formula of 3-chords hidden under melodic overdubbing, I'll have to pass. I'm sure their concerts are tight and full of energy, as one could expect from members of Terror, Carry On, Knife Fight, Champion and so many others. This is worth checking out, if only to make an opinion for yourself. Some people are praising this EP like it's the end-all-be-all mecca of SxE hardcore, but don't fall under that impression until the LP drops. Bridge 9 Records - 2005