Walking with the likes of hardcore bands with female names (Norma Jean, Evelynn), the Kentucky boys of Anne Hutchinson have recently joined this ladies' tea party. The group has played with almost every independent hardcore band you can name with a few emo groups for good measure. This is their debut EP from upstart label, Bad Apple Records.

In a number of reviews, I have seen many disheartening things spoken of Anne Hutchinson. Not as much for their musical talent but because they are what no hardcore group dares to be. A screamo band that exudes joy; not just on stage, not just to the hundreds of fans that see them, but also in their recordings. In an era of image, Anne Hutchinson is the music critic's scapegoat of the perennial "Christian hardcore band." But unlike the Zao's, the Norma Jean's, and the Living Sacrifice's, Anne Hutchinson has that perpetual crack in their tough thick-skinned armor that the reviewers actually have the spine to look down upon. It's easier to make fun of something when that something your making fun of isn't so mean after all.

But let's put this flack, where the flack is deserved. "Never Kiss And Tell" leads the way mixing screams and something that you could only prior see Mick Jagger doing while "Delighting In A Sunrise" adds the chirping of birds and a delightful 80's hair band guitar solo... surprising.

Anne Hutchinson has the chops of a Zao and Norma Jean and the potential of a Coalesce and Dillenger Escape Plan. With a little more musical ability and the same lyrical personification, I think I'll have to ask Miss Hutchinson on a repeated number of dates, or at least more listens. Keep up the good work guys, and never forget to lighten up this ever-gloomy hardcore scene.

- Review date: 6/13/02, written by Blake Garris