I finally got around to this EP, which had already found its way into my hands sometime in the middle of the year. It’s a release by the southern California band Handpay, issued on Lionheart Records in a pressing of 25 test presses, 115 copies on black vinyl, and 215 copies on white vinyl. Musically, it’s punk with strong hardcore influences, occasionally lightly touched by an Oi! sound. I don’t know much about the band yet, apart from the fact that I’ve noticed their first signs of activity since the beginning of 2025.

The EP contains three tracks, which is my ideal format and one I strongly prefer. Three songs, three shots. Just enough to show what a band is capable of — and Handpay have convinced me that their future output is well worth keeping an eye on.

The record opens with Washed Up, featuring aggressive lyrics, a raw and unforced vocal delivery, and solidly played hardcore punk, complemented by shouted singalong parts. The second track, The End Is Near, carries the energy of late ’80s to early ’90s hardcore punk. Everything moves at a tight pace, with no unnecessary embellishments, and a vocal style that sits right on the edge between singing and rapid-fire recitation. On the B-side you’ll find Invisible Threat, a third fast and hard-hitting track.

For me, this EP clearly falls into the hardcore punk category — well played, with a strong sound and without any tough-guy posturing. The vocals give the whole recording a youthful sense of defiance, which, together with the overall feel of the EP, really works for me. The lyrics deal with frustration stemming from interactions with certain individuals, which is, to me, one of the core essences of hardcore punk. I definitely recommend this EP.

TOP SONG: Invisible Threat