Who knew that Springfield, Illinois had beaches to surf on? Listening to What Happens Inside? you’d think Black Box could easily blend into the CA hardcore scene. But no, they stand out like great, sore thumb in the midwest landscape. Especially Springfield.

They’re angry, they’re sludgy. The drums have that low thunk that all great hardcore demos have. Black Box uses empty space well, building and swelling the anger before ripping you apart. Songs ebb and flow and tear down all previous upheld tropes. Just as you get comfortable in the sway, they break it down and you find yourself slithering along.

There’s a depression that seeps into each tune. These are hard riffs to shred sadness. Think a modernized Deep Wound. The title of the demo itself gives air to such thoughts. What does happen inside?

This midwest release takes you on a journey of anger, introspection, and depression. I want to crawl on the floor. I want to smash things. This is the soundtrack of my rage room fantasy.

A taste of sickness. A taste of pain. A taste of panic, embracing shame. Crawling blind to a life of misery.