by Matty Terrones (@a_nice_leaf)
The word “physique” brings to mind the body; its politicization, its struggle for autonomy and human collectivization in a menacing world full of capitalist scum and fascist bullshit. Olympia’s Physique have returned with Overcome By Pain, a blistering six track EP on Seattle’s prolific Iron Lung Records, giving a form to the noise of the body – the body reacting to the deep silence keeping this rotten imperialist foundation in place. Fresh off of February 2023’s release Again, Physique continues their d-beat bombardment with these six tracks.
Overcome By Pain is pissed off. This is raw punk – heavily distorted guitars shriek over furious pounding drums, while vocalist Victim Of screams, “there’s no shortage of cruelty in this world / scars left never to heal” into a wall of impenetrable noise on the first track, “Onward.” Drilling deep into the foundation of empire, Physique rattles and shakes the core until it all comes tumbling down. Title track “Overcome By Pain” throws itself into a blender at maximum speed, like an anxiety attack pulsing through a river of scum.
In the context of modern hardcore punk music, Physique stands out in their blitz of discordance; this is abrasive and grating music, and it doesn’t take a moment to slow down in its ten minute runtime. In true d-beat fashion, each song marches along, furious and unceding. Last track “Game” is a punishing finale to the distorted onslaught of noise. Victim Of sings a shrilling warning: “cowards… run and hide / we see what they play / a sick fascist game.” Physique sees through the muck and comes out swinging.
Written on the back of the 7” is: “SILENCE IS DEATH. WE MAKE NOISE.” With these six tracks, the antithesis of silence is quickly reached. In a world of complete political disarray, it is of utmost importance to keep the noise coming. Noise isn’t simply just making noise; it’s making a stance. Art with a purpose stands the test of time, and Physique’s Overcome By Pain will keep spinning on the deck for years to come. Play it loud.