H20 - Live August 19. 2002 - The Bowery Collection

While it's hard to digest the fact that H20 have been a Hardcore staple for over twenty years. The fact that the band are considered by many to be legends of the genre is an even harder pill to swallow. Too each their own I guess. Having seen the band a handful of times in their early years. H20's energy, passion and take on positive Hardcore cannot be questioned.          I can't go without praising Toby's boundless energy and dedication to the music and the message. He is, after all is said and done. A hyperbolic chamber of endless energy and charisma.

That said, I never found the bands sound, music or songs to be anything more than formulaic and somewhat cartoonish. Strange, considering I own every record they've ever put out.

While no one can question H20's dedication to Hardcore, it's history and it's sustenance. I don't see any good reason to drop a hard twenty on what usually serve as bonus tracks on most albums. The soundboard quality at CBGB's was always worth praise and the sound is very good comparing to many live albums. However, considering 2002 "The glory days of Sunday Hardcore matinees at CBGB''s" as posted on  Revhq. might be one of the greatest over statements in promotional history. "Live August 19 2002" features the entire 16 song set. If you were there and want to relive the past. Go for it. If you weren't. You shouldn't really care.
James Damion

Revhq

Breakdown - Runnin' Scared LP

Breakdown's 1987 demo served as a benchmark for what was to shape New York Hardcore for years to come. As many consider 1985 / 1986 as years that shaped the second wave of NYHC. Their demo along with Raw Deal's entrance into the fray, set the bar higher than most bands could ever dream reaching. Just as
Youth of Today and select acts from the Revelation camp created an army of cookie cutter straightedge, posi-core bands. Intended or not, Breakdown opened the gates for just about every tough guy Hardcore act to follow.

Considering the impact and and downright icon status of that 87' demo. I didn't come close to breaking a sweat when it came to acquiring 'Runnin Scared', but once a the needle hit the record. I was transformed. In listening to "Dissed and Dismissed' and 'All I Ask" I came to realize that, as much as I love, support and respect Hardcore music and the community it's created. Bands have very seldom come remotely close to what Breakdown created.

'Runnin Scared' features the 1988 demo of the same name. Recorded in The Loft studios in Bronxville, near the parkway, and previously unreleased versions of 'All I Ask' and
'Hold Me Back'. The latter basically a new Breakdown song that you can’t get anywhere else but here. Also included is their second WNYU session from 1989. The record contains eighteen tracks in all and includes a 12" X 24" with rare photos and flyers as well as new liner notes by Jeff Perlin himself. First pressing of 1,000 black vinyl. Go get yourself a copy before they're gone. James Damion

Get it Here  Painkiller Records

Dahlia Seed - Full Sets

Whenever the conversation of "best bands of the 90's" or "What bands left the most lasting impression on you over the years." comes up. Most of the people I've spoken to will pull a large and inflated name out of their hat and drop it as if it was scalding pan of grits. 

Bands they discovered through Billboard charts, MTV or a Rolling Stone cover story. For me personally, it was always about the smaller local bands. The ones I had the opportunity to see in local clubs, bars, basements and random holes in the wall. One of my absolute favorites was a Rockland County band known as Dahlia Seed. I first met Tracy in 92/93 during a trips to Maxwell's and Flipside Records. Having seen them at Maxwells, 

ABC No Rio, Tramps and a handful of other holes. At the time, I knew for sure I was witnessing something special and very unique. Their performances ran the gamut of raw, emotions and unbridled energy. I often recall how Tracy's cathartic performances often made the hair on my arm stand on end. Needless to say, they left a lasting impression on this idealistic twenty something. 

These days I still call Tracy a friend and since moving to New Jersey at the tail end of 2000. Have developed friendships with Darin (Drummer, Chris (Guitar) and Jon (Second Guitarist) and continue to view the band as one that left an indelible foot print on my life. Enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoy these two full sets I've posted. Until the next time. 

James Damion

Last FM Dahlia Seed