Complete Control Sessions

Washington, DC hardcore punks Scream recorded the seminal Still Screaming and a number of other underrated releases before becoming a footnote in mainstream rock circles for having once featured Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighter leader Dave Grohl among their ranks. Now, Grohl repays the favor and has the original line-up reform and record this 7-track EP live in his Studio 606. The guys still have plenty of chops. “Jamin’ At 606” brings the supercharged thrust of the hardcore days, but most of the tracks here settle on an easier to digest pace, with infectious melodies taking centerstage for “Elevate,” “Stopwatch” and “Get Free.” It’s closer to classic punk and rock ‘n’ roll than any subgenre allegiances. “The Year Bald Headed Singers Where In” and “Move (All Alone)” even infer a heavy-metal connection with their terse, grinding riffs and howling vocals. No rust here, whatsoever. It may be live, but it isn’t any less tight or masterful than a “proper” studio recording.