Grade – And Such Is Progress

Originally released in 1996, And Such Is Progress is Grade’s formative first steps towards developing their unique identity, demonstrating the sound and abilities that would later be refined and expanded upon, making Grade one of the premier aggressive bands in the underground. And Such Is Progress demonstrates each facet of Grade’s personality and the inherent power they possessed in their capable hands. Grade’s emotional take on hardcore is undeniable in its potency, even in its infancy, and although And Such Is Progress switches styles instead of combining them, leading towards more aggressive segments that break to melodic and back again, the whole is still greater than the sum, making tracks like “Miracle Ear” undeniable in their ominous and urgent attack. This re-issued includes Grade’s Chancre seven-inch and a cover of David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust,” demonstrating Grade’s continuous growth, even in the brief time between the two recordings. And Such Is Progress is a necessary and vitally important document for anyone unaware of Grade’s beginnings.