Done Dying – We Dream Or We Die….

wsr013After two stellar and well received 7 inches. Done Dying return with the debut full length “We Dream or we Die.” Featuring outspoken singer/author Dan O’Mahoney (No For An Answer, 411, Speak 714), Mike Hartsfield (Outspoken, Freewill), Chris Lohman (Backspot) and Kevin Painter (Speak 714). Done Dying establishes itself quickly as much more than a collection of Hardcore all stars looking to relive old glories on the dance floor or cash in on past accomplishments.

Their debut full length deserves high praise. Sounding somewhat like a cross between the power of Cro-mag’s “Age of Quarrrel” and the melodic strengths of Ignite’s “Call on My Brothers”. This is a record that clicks on all gears. Each of the eleven songs here sound vital. While “We Dream of we Die” brings each one together to form a cohesive statement of purpose. “Hear to Stay. Built to Last.”  This very easily might be my favorite HXC album in years. While it reminds me of everything that made me fall in love with Hardcore in the 80’s. It more than satisfies my need for a reason to appreciate the music that is still being released in the present. A+ J.D.

Available Here

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H2O – Skate

b9r229Seven years after their 2008 release of “Nothing To Prove”.     H2O offer a two song teaser in preparation for their forthcoming October full length Bridge Nine Records release “Use Your Voice”. The A side and album title “Use Your Voice” is a fast paced anthemic sing along  with some cool energy and high octane guitar leads. Side B’s “Skate”, featuring skate and punk legend Steve Caballero picks up the pace, it that is at all possible. Both serving as the perfect trailer for the upcoming full length.

What H2O has always lacked in originality and hardcore prowess. They’ve more than make up for in energy, sincerity and dedication to creating positive, uplifting Hardcore. And while I will most likely never appreciate their music as anything more than tribute. I can have fun singing along once in a long while. Until the album… Don’t forget to skate. J.D.

Available Here

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Undertow – Everything

ind65Undertow were a Seattle Straightedge band who released a number of 7′ EP’s (Including splits with Resolution and Struggle.) and a sole LP in the early 90’s and 2,000’s. Their overall sound reflected that of many of the bands Hardcore bands of the time as well as the ones on the rosters of the label who released this material. (Indecision Records) Undertow became very influential in the Seattle Hardcore scene at a time when Grunge had captured the attention of millions. The bands sound was a heavy mix of Metallic Hardcore with dark rhythms. TheirThe 2XLP comes in a gatefold cover that opens up to some excellent live photos of the band. There is also an inlet sporting lyrics to each and every song. An interesting side note worth mention is while this is advertised to feature colored vinyl. Only one of the two LP’s features the color blue. With the other being on the traditional black color. (Black is a color, right?) A possible mistake that gave this collection an oddball quality. As for the music, this was, like many metal core bands of the era, unappealing to me. Please note before buying that this does not feature a download card. J.D.

Available Here

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Society Abuse – S/T 7′

IMG_2540_a21fd758-54d9-4508-bdfd-3141d74a767d_1024x1024After a well received demo. Not only are Florida’s Society Abuse back, the band has returned with a dangerous self titled EP featuring five songs of venomous Hardcore that get in your system and stay long enough to leave some damage, Influences as old as the classic Negative FX (Choke’s pre Slapshot effort.) to the more current Knife Fight. Rights Denied, Negative Pressure, Beg, Violent Crimes and Prison of Politics each cover timeless themes with a fresh breathe of rage. While the bands sound and focus of attack have been a topic of punk ire since day one. Society Abuse prove that things haven’t changed all that much. There’s still plenty of change to fight for. J.D.

Available Here

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Boysetsfire (Bridge 9 Records) release lyric video for “Savage Blood”

Bridge Nine Records have released a lyric video for “Savage Blood” from the Sept. 25th release of the self titled album from Boysetsfire.Their first release since 2013’s reunion album               “While A Nation Sleeps”. You can pre-order the album from Bridge Nine Here.

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Help Dez Beat Cancer

It has been reported that former and personal favorite Black Flag singer Dez Cadena is battling throat caner. While he’s just finished radiation treatment and seems to be doing well. The mounting medical bills might turn out out to be his biggest battle. A go fund me account has been set up to help in the matter. For many, including myself. Hardcore has always been an extended family of sorts. We look out for our own. Any donation, big or small can make a difference. To donate and read more, please go Here.5619891_1439930151.5549

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A Conversation Sparks a Shirt

500x500A few months in to my moving to my current home. I was invited out to lunch at a nearby gallery by one of the neighbors who lives down at the opposite side of the hall. During that hour + luncheon. I met several other people from, yes, the same floor of this building. During that friendly get to know the conversation covered a wide array of topics which included both work and play. Snowboarding turned to Surfing and Surfing turned to Skateboarding. While I was never very good at either. Skateboarding was a particularly important interest of mine and a major part of my initiation in to the HXC lifestyle. I mention skating the pyramids outside Astoria, Queens’   Con Edison building and meeting some of the members of a band that would soon become a major influence on my musical tastes and spark my love for the more positive Hardcore bands. The simple mention of the pyramids and the band name Token Entry raised the eyebrow of one of the neighbors present. Quickly sharing that he too skated the pyramids, listened to Token Entry and spent much of his teen years involved in the Hardcore scene.

IMG_1515Needless to say, common interests were found. A few hours later, back home and still appreciative of the new relationships I had established that day. There was a knock on my door.        There standing on the other side was the gentleman I had met just hours before with a smile on his face and a 1988 Token Entry Tour Shirt in his hands. “I just came across this and thought you would like to have it.” Our friendship cemented as there have been countless walks down the hall and knocks on the door. As grateful as I am for the selfless and thoughtful gift, It’s the connection and friendship made through common interest such as music that reminds me of how music still serves as conductor or, if you will, third rail. Thanks Kev. J.D.

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Pulling Records From the Pile

As I was attempting to come up with a few simple ideas that had the potential to become a regular feature here. “Pulling Records from the Pile” seemed as simple as one could possibly get. Being that I bring in a massive amount of records on a weekly basis. The chance of them being filed away in one of the several Ikea Expedits my records currently call home. As my obsession grows and my hoarding begins to take hold of my fairly new home. I find I do a lot more accumulating than listening. So hear starts “Pulling Records from the Pile”. Each post I will pick a random record. It could be a new or old LP, 7’inch, Flexi, or maybe even a cassette. Give it a thorough listen and see what comes to mind. Considering how many records are staring me down at the moment. This feature may very just outlive me. We’ll see. Please feel free to contribute any further information as well as personal anecdotes.

To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this. Bananarama have always been an unexplainable guilty pleasure for me. During their heyday I had a handful of female friends who were big fans. My best friends sisters Laura and Jenna, as well as their sister friends Shannon and Catelynn. Starting with the dark pop natured, yet danceable draw of 1983’s Cruel Summer…url I developed a strange love affair with the bands music and image that carried me in to my recent years as a bonafide crate digger. Side One’s Cruel Summer holds up well. Listening to this cut as an adult. One really tends the dark nature and longing in the lyrics. All while appreciating the upbeat and very danceable rhythms of the music. Despite the slick, synth produced sound. I find myself reminded of the rather tribal approach the Bow Wow Wow was creating around the same time. The cover (Pictured to the right) clearly displays the great marketing job done when promoting Bananarama. Sexy, yet playful and very approachable. An idea that would go on to serve the group well for over thirty years. Despite some wear on the cover. The record itself is flawless. Put this one in your DJ bag. You can’t go wrong. J.D.

Side One; Cruel Summer

Side Two; Summer Dub (Special C.B. Mix) / Cairo

Year; 1984

Format; 12′ Maxi Single 45 RPM

Label; London Records (A subsidiary of PolyGram Records)

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Born Against VS Sick of it All W.N.Y.U. Debate Revisited

It was the epic Davey VS Goliath battle of NYHC. The rebel alliance Born Against locked in battle with the Empire’s version of the Death Star, Sick of it All. Chances are you were taking sides and stocking up on 7 inch EP’s and cassette demos as you dug in for the long haul.          On one side of the table, the Jedi purists Born Against. On the other. The dark, imperial army of Sick of it All. I can go on with George Lucas inspired clique’s for day. Instead I give you the great W.N.Y.U. hosted Born Against/Sick of it All debate. J.D.

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