For a style with such a foreboding name, noise-rock has surprising potential for appeal outside of its cloistered fanbase. Recent breakout efforts by the likes of METZ and Young Widows are just latter-day entries in a crossover tradition that goes back to the thorough screechiness of In Utero, if not further. Like those contemporary darlings, Fight Amp — formerly Fight Amputation, lately of Philadelphia — place as much emphasis on the “rock” side of the genre as the “noise,” if not more. This band has become something of a regional institution over their 12-year run, and the EP-sized new album, Constantly Off, displays Fight Amp at their most tuneful. Beneath a hard crust of booming toms and slippery Unsane-esque rhythms lies an efficient, borderline-pop songwriting sensibility that reminds me a bit of Torche’s early work — a resemblance heightened by Fight Amp’s occasional use of simple vocal harmonies. But if you’re here for the beatdown, don’t worry. Fight Amp still lead with their fists. Listen.

Constantly Off is due out on 6/9 via Brutal Panda. It’s available for preorder at Fight Amp’s Bandcamp. They’ll be on tour with the like-minded KEN mode in June (including an NYC show with my band, full disclosure); the dates are below:

06/16 Toronto, ON @ Parts & Labour w/ the Great Sabatini
06/17 Montreal, QB @ Turbo Haus w/ the Great Sabatini
06/18 Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus w/ Pyrrhon & Couch Slut
06/19 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
06/20 Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups w/ Lo-Pan
06/21 Chicago, IL @ The Burlington w/ Jar’d Loose