Hello readers,
It’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly when I started listening, and enjoying, hardcore music. Though I’ve been listening to (mostly) punk rock for more than ten years, the hardcore element is a rather new addition…which is a bit odd when you think about it. After all, it’s a thin line between skate punk and hardcore…
Whatever the case may be, I do know that bands like Minor Threat and F-Minus had a lot to do with the ‘transition’ and as they got me more accustomed with the hardcore sound, I started checking out bands such as Sick of it All, Bad Brains, Kid Dynamite, and more recently Paint it Black (all of whom I suggest you check out). Nowadays, there’s always some hardcore element in my heavy rotation, so it made sense that I make a hardcore-centric edition of 777” to reflect that. Ironically, none of these previously mentioned ‘legends’ made the cut this time (though I am tempted for a future edition), which nurtures mixed feelings. So, without further ado (and before I lose any more punk points), enjoy this months’ selection.
-Ollie
Cloak/Dagger
Surf
(Jade Tree, 2009)
01. Surf Song
02. Concentration Camp
Availability: Jade Tree
“Dude, 1984 and Black Flag called; they want their sound back!”
Coming from the backwoods of Richmond VA, Jade Tree’s (seemingly only active band nowadays) Cloak/Dagger are everything that statement claims and more but, although they are a hardcore band by definition, they also dwell on the grey area that would separate it with a more high octane Rock ‘N’ Roll (à la new Bomb Turks or the Riverboat Gamblers). The Surf 7-inch follows their debut album We Are… perfectly. Their trademark, methodical approach to hardcore combined with short, sweet vocals almost buried in the mix is every bit as enjoyable as their revered debut (which was the standout hardcore album of 2007).
The boys also just released their follow-up LP, Lost Art, this year, which is in grave danger of being overlooked in many annual best-ofs. Do yourself a favor: grab it along with this unique appetizer for good measure.
New Mexican Disaster Squad
Peace With Nothing
(Kiss of Death, 2007)
01. No Protection
02. Peace with Nothing
03. Abandoned
04. Here’s Your Warning
Availability: No Idea Records
Ah, The New Mexican Disaster Squad – my prescription of choice for those still suffering from KDWS (Kid Dynamite Withdrawal Syndrome). Peace With Nothing, their last 7-inch before disbanding, starts off like an eruption and, in all honesty, plays arguably better than a full-length. Combining some incredibly tight drumming by wunderkind Richard Minino and a higher-pitched vocal delivery bordering on melodic, this Peace With Nothing is the perfect dose of The Squad. Four songs on one 7-inch (punk point!) elaborating on the inevitable confrontation with impending doom (Daily Double) and a cover by 7 Seconds (Triad alert)? ‘Nough said!
The Bronx/Fucked Up/Rolo Tomassi
Shred Yr Face Tour
(Hassle/Matador/Wichita, 2009)
01. "She’s Like Heroin to Me" (Gun Club cover)
02. "Son of Sam" (Chain Gang cover)
03. "Apocalypso 09"
Availability: Out of print.
Could there by a more orgasmic line-up for a hardcore show? Those lucky enough to live in the UK were treated to this amazing lineup of bands earlier this year, and they even got a 7-inch out of it. Curse you, Britannia!
On this three-way split, the Bronx offer their cover of Gun Club (a band I am unfamiliar with), Fucked Up attempt Chain Gang (who I am familiar with…thanks to Jon Spencer), and Rolo Tomassi attempt…themselves. Why no cover, guys? The Bronx is death-like, Fucked Up is charmingly lo-fi and sloppy and Rolo Tomassi’s – furious and brutal. The outcome of such a mix is an exquisite vinyl dish (on red wax, nonetheless) of modern hardcore.
Ollie Mikse is an Aruban graduate student marooned the volcanic isle of central Pennsylvania due to his poor nautical skills and affinity for Pina Coladas. His judgment in all things should be questioned, particularly his musical ventures, whether it be the Ottomans or Red Sound Records.
