When One Door Closes. Another One Opens.

 Back in late 2016 I was offered my very own column on the former print zine and current website Jersey Beat. The offer to write just about anything I want and the chance to have it posted on one of independent music's longest running platform was, to say the very least, enticing.  As Jim has become both a friend and someone whose varied taste in music has helped broaden my own. Trusting him to give me the freedom to let my opinions run amok came naturally.

You can check out my Jersey Beat Column 'United By James;,  Here
 
 Since embarking on my column in early 2017. I've continued reviewing music and books, while occasionally doing an interview. (My personal favorite part of music journalism.) With Dave gone, my moving out West and my Jersey Beat column. Chances of future United By Rocket Science post seem pointless. Still, I will keep the site online. We did some good, creative things and met some great people during the blogs time and there would be no reason to erase that.
Currently Accepting; Punk/Hardcore/Metal, Reggae/Ska/Dub/Rocksteady,Indie Rock/Pop/Soul,Shoegaze /Dream Pop
Please, do not send; Corporate Rock, Country, Classical,  Dance/Electronic

If you'd like to have your music reviewed, You can either send me a private email requesting a mailing address or send a download or link to your bandcamp account.  Send all  submissions to damionphoto@gmail.com

All this music; Citizens Arrest Vinyl Find

Though I may have stopped in at Singles Going Steady during my first visit to Seattle during my May visit to Seattle. I stopped short of making any purchases due to my fear of return flight and the fear of damage while in transit. A hard choice considering how many friends names, images and personal memories stared me right in the face. Some of whom I've called friends since childhood and my teens. Some of which I've grown to know from social media and reunions. While knowing I'd soon return as a newly transplanted resident.  The chance that those two Citizens Arrest records would be gone were pretty high.

Still in the first days of my new life as a WA resident. I was happy to find out that same record store I visited back in My was a seemingly short walk from my temporary digs on Taylor Ave.I took what tuned out to be a short walk over to Singles Going Steady to see what I could find. From the moment I walked in the door. I felt as if I had been transported to long gone days digging for Hardcore records in New York City. Everything from the Bad Brains "Live at CBGB's 1982" DVD to the many reiusses of classics from bands ranging  from Agnostic Front to Warzone. It wasn't long before I located the two Citizens Arrest records you see below. It wasn't until I brought those records to the counter that I found out the man running the store was a veteran of the early NYHC scene. Before I headed out. We were talking about bands like Reagan Youth and Urban Waste and why we thought their reunions were a joke. In the end. I can definitely see myself sending these back east to an old friend whose photographs are all over these.Only time will tell.

I've posted links to both records, as well as a live set. I highly recommend you checking them out. While the words "Savage" and "Brutal" come to mind. I, myself would have a hard time better describing their approach to Hardcore Punk.

Wardance Records

Citizens Arrest on LastFM

 

 

 

JUST - S/T CD

Having just seen half of what was one of the best show opening sets I've witnessed since Geronimo beat the Nazis.

Understandably, I was rather curious to hear what was within the prize handed out to us brave folks occupying the front of the room. As I attempted to upload the home made CD to my computer I noticed there was no track list or information available. Still curious, I went to the bands bandcamp page to find the information needed for s somewhat decent review.

With five songs barring the names 'Pan', 'Grass', 'Drain', 'Chest' and 'Treat'. I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much at all from Brooklyn, New York's JUST. Perhaps that set was just an apparition or a full blown hoax. What JUST lack in a creative name, eye catching logo and catchy song titles. They more than make up for in muscular, dirty up the dance floor Hardcore. Great riifs, time changes and authoritative vocals. I guess it's a good sign when you don't flinch after listening  to something a half dozen times in one sitting

Recorded in October 2016 at Barber Shop Studios. JUST left me wanting to hear more as well as catching a full set one day soon. Let's hope the new year presents just such an opportunity. JD

JUST

POINT BLANK- 'Life's Too Short' At Montclair, NJ's The Meatlocker

I'm still reeling from the fact that I wasn't able to make Point Blank's show at Montclair's Meatlocker. Having  reviewed their CD demo and the 7 inch that followed. It's easy to say I've been trying to get my aging ass to a show. Being  that they played so close to my own home base only makes the sting of missing out hurt a bit longer. Lucky for me lead singer Ken E. Wagner shared a video of their performance of 'Life's too Short'. I really do dig this track. And while I'm not yet sure if he sent it to ease the pain or prolong it. I really appreciate it. Thanks, JD

https://pointblanknyhc.bandcamp.com/

POINT BLANK NYHC - Live and Loud

Below is a recent video of NYHC band Point Blank performing live at Philadelphia's Voltage Lounge. Old School Hardcore played with plenty of energy and heart. Point Blank currently have a 7 inch EP out on Not Like You Records. Click the link below for info. JD

Not Like You

New Breed Tape Compilation 2016 Official Documentary Trailer Has Finally Arrived

The wait is almost over. The New Breed Documentary is slated to premiere in March at Brooklyn's Nitehawk Cinema. Featuring interviews with band members that played on the comp, fanzine editors & record label heads that chronicled this influential period of NYHC's history circa 1987-89. There will be a simultaneous VHS(!), DVD & online release of the documentary to coincide with the screenings.
   A Q&A with the director, John Woods & editor Orlando Arce as well as the creators of the comp, Freddy Alva & Chaka Malik, will take place at Nitehawk.
  We welcome everyone to attend, it's not everyday one sees a full length documentary on such an anachronistic format as a cassette compilation!
Follow the Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/New-Breed-Documentary-468278020040125/
Look up the hashtag #newbreeddocumentary on Instagram.

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Leeway - Born to Expire (Vinyl Reissue)

Growing up in Jackson Heights Queens. Astoria was our first right of passage as far as escaping the invisible borders of adjacent Elmhurst were concerned. In reality, the same thing could be said about New York Hardcore. While my first High School Msgnr. McClancy had it's small, yet tightly knit fabric of Hardcore kids to show me the ropes. It wasn't until my excursions in to Astoria with them when I was able to see and hear the real thing up close and personal.

Bands with names like
Token Entry whose fast and aggressive approaches to Punk and in Leeway's case "Crossover" would eventually bring me to the haloed doors of CBGB's, the Sunday Hardcore matinee and eventually
The Rock Hotel shows at the Ritz. Then, just as I had begun to find a home and an extended family in CBGB's and the clubs that were inviting this strange and sometimes dangerous form of street music in to their doors. Things seemed to change overnight. Crossover came and sucked away many of the bands. I hated it, with one glaring exception, Leeway.
The reason, Leeway were always a Crossover band. Even before Crossover became part of my vocabulary. For Leeway, owed more to Thrash Metal than they did to bands like Antidote, Agnostic Front or any other Hardcore band that may have come before them.
As 1985's "Enforcer" demo were a combination  calling card and wake up call. 1989's "Born to Expire" served as a perfect time capsule for the era and a landmark release for Leeway. One that would go on to define them as a band.

Upon hearing about a vinyl reissue of "Born to Expire" as well as their later releases began circulating. I knew that the redemption I had been seeking since deciding to sell all of my records in the year 2001 would finally arrive. Listening to old favorites like "Rise and Fall", "Mark of the Squealer", "Be Loud" and "Enforcer" on vinyl for the first time in over decade brought back my love and appreciation for the band. Recalling the first time I saw them live at the Ritz and getting my hands on a copy the day of it's original release in 1989. Listening to it this week with new ears, discovering a new favorite in the albums final track "Unexpected" only sweetened the pot. And while the live bonus tracks are great. I'm pretty confident in my belief that even the most pedestrian fan of the band would be happier with the incredible 1985 "Enforcer" demo. Overall,  this is an essential re-issue that satisfies on many levels. Whether you love Hardcore, Metal, Crossover or all of the above. This is a must have. One that will most likely go out of circulation before long.  The album, as well as Leeway's "Desperate Measures", "Adult Crash" and "Open Mouth Kiss" are available in various vinyl colors as well as CD format from Reality Records.
 James Damion

Available Here

While We Wait - S/T 7' Inch EP

While the name "While We Wait" might read like the perfect handle for two guys waiting for the next thing to come along. The bond between Andy Guida (Altercation, Supertouch, Absolution...)  and Matt Warnke (Bold) go back to their time together in Running Like Thieves and more recently The Mistaken.

Less Bluesy and more connected to their Hardcore past than
The Mistaken were.
While We Wait's approach to Hardcore is more melodic and for lack of a better description, subtlety pronounced.

The EP opens with
"Kings Ransom". A song so ambitious with it's revved up guitar part, up front drum leads and emotionally drenched vocals.
The epic nature of
the song bring to mind the long lasting effects of Hardcore greats Supertouch and their landmark song "Searching For the Light" (A band for which While We Wait's Andy Guida played. a key role.) To even attempt describing the deep pull of the "Kings Ransom" without mentioning the emotional grip of Guida's backing vocals would be damn near criminal.
"By Now You Should Know Right From Wrong" follows respectfully with similar results before "All the Plans You Made" finishes the three song sample like a statement of purpose. It's all systems go with Matt's deep and soulful vocals belting out lyrics with both authority and purpose. Having listened to this a couple of dozen times  continually over a twenty four hour period is without pause, the highest recommendation I can possibly give.

Released on Freddy Alva's Wardance Records and available through Big Cartel. The record was produced, recorded and mixed by Andy Guida himself at Six III Studio. Matt Warnke wrote the songs, sings lead vocals and plays rhythm guitar while Andy Guida handles the drums, lead guitar, backing vocals.

Maybe it's time we move on from familiarizing ourselves with artists by mentioning or comparing their work to what they accomplished decades ago. Leave your preconceptions of what Hardcore kids can do as adults in the past and just listen. You might like what you here. I know I did. James Damion

Available Here

Brain Slug - Live in Power Promo Tape

Long Island's Brain Slug first came on my radar when they played a rare Hardcore bill at Steven's Institute of Technology in Hoboken. On a night when I was on a mission to see a personal favorite of mine in Living Laser.
My eyes and ears were opened to a score of bands, including
Brain Slug, that would more than earn favorite status through their blistering performances that night.

Dirty, grinding and ugly. Three elements that initially drew me to Brain Slug's sound nihilistic approach. Three key ingredients that keep me interested. There approach to Hardcore brings to mind bands such  as Straight Ahead, Rorschach, Citizens Arrest
(There's a cover CXA's "Serve and Protect on here.) and power violence kings Man is the Bastard. Amongst these six killer tracks there is also a cover of The Beastie Boys "Ode too..." from the bands 1982 Hardcore EP "Pollywog Stew".
The six song promo tape serves as an appetizer for the upcoming full length album where each of the four original songs will make an appearance. If "Live in Power" is any indication of what's to come in the near future. Fans of Hardcore will have one hell of a record to look forward too. I, for sure, can't wait. James Damion

Order it Here

Dead Blow Hammer - S/T 7' Inch

I was trolling the aisles of  my somewhat local record store the other day when my eyes were drawn to a vaguely familiar name on a very nondescript looking EP priced suspiciously lower than the small gathering of
7 inch records in the stores racks. Whether or not it was the discounted price or odd familiarity that had me take it to the counter along with my much anticipated vinyl reissue of Leeway's "Born To Expire" is unbeknownst to me. I was quickly reminded later that night that it was the band my Hoboken friend Adriano Garcia was fronting with old band mates from the 90's Hardcore act Against the Grain.


The opener "Not Tonight" doesn't really serve as a very good introduction to what turns out to be a generally good first offering from these old timers . "Transporting " follows authoritatively upping the skill level while ranking as my favorite of the five offerings. With "Controllable"  following as a close second. Dead Blow Hammer's sound runs in the "Loud Fast Rules" territory of Hardcore. Yet still finds room for some mid paced fun in it's two plus minute warnings.

While Dead Blow Hammer didn't  grab me initially. A few thorough listens had me finding more and more to like, appreciate and ultimately win me over. The bass lines of Kabula (Cause For Alarm, Agnostic Front) and the out of the box vocal charge of Mr. Garcia really put their hooks in me. Ultimately, serving serving as the EP's most distinguishing elements. And as I find myself losing interest in Hardcore. It's bands like
Dead Blow Hammer that bring me back due to a slightly different approach and delivery that keep me returning to the fold. James Damion

Order it Here

New York's Brain Slug Release Limited Cassette Tape

 NYC'S BRAIN SLUG TO RELEASE LIMITED CASSETTE TAPE AHEAD OF NEW LP

LISTEN TO NEW TRACK "CHECKMATE" NOW. BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR AN LP IN 2016.

https://brainslugnyhc.bandcamp.com/

Living Laser return with 3 song EP

New York favorites Living Laser have returned with a new three song EP cassette that's being made available through Frequency Deleted Records and online via stream. Living Laser have been a long time favorite of mine and Dave's. Having been featured here numerous times in the past. If you're into bands such as Bad Brains, Leeway, Burn, Cro-mags, Beyond or anything that's full of boundless energy and intensity. You'll surely love Living Laser.

https://livinglaser.bandcamp.com/

WWIX - If One of these Bottles Just Happens to Fall

If one of these bottles.... the latest offering from New York's World War IX is a five boot to the head kicker that is an energetic, raucous and drunkenly fun EP that brought to mind past acts such as Murphy's Law and                   No Redeeming Social Value as well as other party anthem acts of the 80's and 90's. I might even go as far as likening them to a punker version of Seattle's President's of the United States.
The EP came with a 32 page D.I.Y. comic book titled Earaches and Eyesores. Illustrated by the bands guitarist Justin Melmann. It serves as the perfect accessory to the EP. Overall, it felt good hearing from World War IX again.           I look forward to hearing more from them down the road.
While World War IX may fly a bit under the radar in comparison to many of the bigger names on the NYHC scene. These Brooklyn boys seem to be doing just fine. Adding a sense of humor and an artful edge that has always been somewhat lacking in the scene.
James Damion

World War IX Get it Here

There Will Be Quiet - The Story of Judge (Complete)

May 8 2015

Dilettante * 120 N Santa Fe * Los Angeles

7:30 Doors

Noisey in association with Converse present:

Screening of the feature length documenty THERE WILL BE QUIET: The Story of Judge

followed by a Q&A session w/ the directors and band hosted by Tony Rettman author of the NYHC Book

as well as a live performance by the band.

Below I've posted parts 1-4 of "There Will Be Quiet." 

Enjoy, James Damion

Agnostic Front - The American Dream Died

On the legendary bands 11th full length studio album. Agnostic Front, a NYC institution as recognizable as the legendary Katz's Deli,
tackle issues that are as time tested as they are current. Songs about police brutality, injustice, the scene and war,
to name just a few.
Subject matter that was as relevant in the 60's as they are today.

The 2:01 intro featuring doom and gloom news soundbites and sirens introduces
The American Dream Died like a tried and true Hardcore clique. The end is nye, but first, a sound bite. The albums title track follows and your immediately reminded of Agnostic Front'a history of relentless, unapologetic crossover aggression. For better or worse. Love them or hate them. Agnostic Front have more than earned their reputation as the Godfathers of NYHC as well as the Mad Max's of
Road Warriors.

Stellar tracks on this 16 song bruiser include and are somewhat limited to Police Violence, Never Walk Alone. Old New York, the albums 10th track, might make one long for the days when NYC was awash with junkies, pimps, murderers and abject poverty. A time that many, including myself, look back on fondly. Preferring the stark contrast to the current sea of soulless high rises, franchises and yogurt stands.

No disrespect intended  but, listening to Roger Miret sing is like watching Guy Fieri cook. Unfuckingbearable. And while his caterwauling was the catalyst for what AF were to become and to be. That voice, along with the bands music. Just doesn't speak to me the way it did so many decades ago. it might have worked for me in the early 80's, more than 30 years later. I'd liken that voice to someone retching over a public toilet. If there's any saving grace in all of this. There are a couple A list guest appearances by Lou Koller (Sick of it All)
Freddy Cricien (Madball). Toby Morse (H2O) also makes an appearance. 

Overall, listening to The American Dream Died reminded of when I first hear
Cause for Alarm. and to be more specific Every album that followed. Lucky for me, none of these 16 tracks make the three minute mark. James Damion

Nuclear Blast  Get it Here

 Related; Agnostic Front - No One Rules

There Will Be Quiet - The Story of Judge (Part 3)

Here's Part 3 of Noisey's documentary "The Story of Judge". This moving chapter brings up closer to the bands fateful, yet unexpected reunion at Hardcore's Black N' Blue in 2012.  

I recall many of the rumors about Mike in the early 90's, but some of the one's hear are like that of the Vikings. I highly recommend keeping up with this series. One can only hope there's a new record in the future with a lot less outside bullshit to ruin one of, if not the best bands to ever come out of New York. Keep hope alive. James Damion

Into Another - Omens

Whenever a band decides to go the reunion route I can't help but think of the scene from
The Blues Brothers when
John Belushi say's "We're getting the band back together." Followed by Akroyd's deadpan
"We're on a mission from God."

Since his days fronting Underdog. Richie Birkenhead has owned the most dynamic and impressive set of vocal chords to ever come out of the NYHC camp. A quality that has aged well and carries the songs with an impressive sense of emotional command.

Overall, Omens was somewhat of a surprise and a markedly excellent return to form for one of the 90's most uniquely rewarding post Hardcore acts. Still sounding dynamic, original and ahead of their time.
After listening to Ignaurus almost exclusively for over a decade. I've found myself dipping deeper and deeper in to the bands catalog, finding hidden treasure within every release.
Whereas many reunited bands from past eras seem perfectly comfortable continuing as nostalgia acts. Into Another have proven they are much more. A band that, years later,
still has something to say. One that is determined to follow through on unfinished business.
It's easy to say that Into Another stand as one of the most important acts to come together over the past three decades. James Damion

Find it at the following;
itunes
Amazon
Spotify
Rdio

Music Log Day 1; Orange 9MM - Dry (For Gina)

Welcome to a new feature on United By Rocket Science. One that I give full credit to my Aussie friend Ted Dougherty who recently started one under the same name on his Facebook page.  Each installment will feature a song, video or album. (Most likely a favorite of mine at one point or another) and a personal story or anecdote relating to it. Being that this is my first installment. I really can't say how this will evolve. There is no timeline or genre relation for these posts. I'll just post when the spirits are willing. You know, keep it loose. Thanks for the inspiration Ted. All proceeds go to a charity of your choice. James Damion

While I'm not sure if I was living in Hell's Kitchen or was still commuting to work from 

Staten Island.  At the time of Orange 9mm's debut release on Revelation Records I was working at a Jazz label that also booked floating Jazz Festivals with my best friend 

Gina (Last Daze) Lawson. At the time, we were both still heavily involved in the NYHC scene and major fans of bands like Absolution and Burn. On the rare occasions we managed to gain control of the offices stereo, we'd blast everything from Sick of it All to Sheer Terror to 

Eye Hate God. One one particular day, my lunch break took me over to nearby 

St. Marks Street where I picked up a copy of Orange 9mm's Revelation Records debut. 

The four song EP had some stellar tracks, with Dry being my personal favorite. 

My good friend Gina died some years back, but her spirit will always live on with me. 

Her smile, laugh, generosity and love for the music. How she used to call Sick of it All 

"My Boys" and how her burps always smelled like a mix of Heineken and Doritos. 

She left behind a son named Kyle whom I have not seen or heard from in years. She was loved by just about everyone, including my Grandmother Veronica. As far as Orange 9mm, the band went on to put out a number of successful albums. None of which resonated with me quite like that first EP. The records 3rd track Decide, is still in heavy rotation some twenty years later. 

THERE WILL BE QUIET - THE STORY OF JUDGE (PART 2)

Here's Part 2 of Noisey's documentary on legendary Judge Frontman Mike (Judge) Ferraro. As I watched this footage I clearly remember hearing the Judge demo tape for the first time at a party on Civ's (Gorilla Biscuits) parents block. How we all wanted a piece of it. 

We all begged Luke Abbey (Warzone) for a copy, but it was so secret at that moment. 

No one was getting a copy. As I watched this footage. I kept thinking how much the band meant to me and how, even today it stands as the most personal part of my time as a resident of NYHC. What you're about to watch is, to put it lightly, epically chilling. 

Having been to the shows, witnessing the violence and hearing the endless shit talking and rumors that involved the band and the straightedge scene as a whole. I found it hard not to shed a tear. I'm grateful the someone's finally taken the time to help Mike finally tell his story. James Damion

THERE WILL BE QUIET - THE STORY OF JUDGE (PART 1)

In the first part of Noisey's multi part series. The media outlet sits down with legendary and complex Judge frontman Mike Ferraro. Judge is truly one of the great Hardcore bands on the history of the sub-genre. Though short lived, the band and their powerful, yet self reflective lyrics made them one of a kind. The bands short lifespan, break up and the numerous rumors caused by the Ferraros' utter disappearance from the scene, the music and the overall landscape. "There will be Quiet" might be the most anticipated music documentary in decades.