Altercation - Re-Mastered 1987 Demo 7 inch

1987 marked somewhat of a peak in the changing of the guard in NYHC. Just as Revelation Records and bands like Youth of Today were winning the hearts and minds of kids from the suburbs seeking a more positive route,
There were bands such as Sick of it All, Breakdown, Raw Deal and of course Altercation that were cracking their knuckles and sharpening their musical knives speaking to the more angry and disenfranchised kids, much like Agnostic Front did in earlier days.

Having purchased the original demo at the now legendary Some Records and witnessing the Altercation boys put fear into the hearts of the squeamish at nearby CBGB's and the Pyramid Club. I was a devoted knucklehead with the word "ALTERCATION" boldly written with a fat marker on my back pack. This recording brings back that angry and primitive Hardcore sound that made me really love this band.
Favorites such as the opening track 'Unite Us',
'Friends Like These' and 'Vigilante Song' really capture the bands original intensity and perhaps misguided messages.

Drummer Andy Guida does a really good job on remastering the original demo. So much so that, like an ass, I thought this was actually re-recorded. I found that myself comparing the remastered version with the originals and though my opinion is based on a very small comparison. I find myself really appreciating the updated versions. If you're a fan of bands such as Breakdown, Killing Time, Krakdown, Absolution or anything related to Hardcore music in general I would highly recommend heading into battle with this. The record, brought to us by the people at Lush Life comes on clear vinyl and includes three reproduced show flyers and a couple of Altercation stickers.
A nice package to say the least. As the revival of 80's Reagan era Hardcore approaches it's tenth year. One can only wonder what nostalgia the new era will bring.
James Damion

Lush Life  Get it Here
Altercation  Facebook

IDES - Invisible Burdens / Megalodon and MMXII Demo Double Review

 After witnessing Bloomfield New Jersey's IDES decimate the already shaky foundation of Montclair's Meatlocker,  I was eager to get my hands on any of the bands physical or digital output. Upon hearing the two tracks 'Invisible Burdens' and 'Megalodon'

I found myself wanting to dig for more, a job made easy as an earlier five song demo sat on their Bandcamp page just waiting to be heard.
Considering how difficult it is to gauge a bands overall sound and approach from a mere two songs,  I'm combining the bands earlier five song demo with the Invisible Burdens / Megalodon release.

With expressive vocals that are just as chaotic as they are expressive, displaying power and an emotional depth you don't often hear in the genre today. Musically, IDES provide enough Unwound like dissonance to knock everything off it's axis while creating something that works on an overall scale. Overall, 'Trust' with it's devilish rhythms and impassioned vocals and the absolutely killer 'Invisible Burdens' are my favorites. IDES make some real noise on these tracks...Leaving these damaged ears eagerly anticipating more. Let's hope the band doesn't keep us waiting.
James Damion

IDES  Bandcamp

Killer of Sheep - Out of Time

Hailing from Pittsburgh PA, Killer of Sheep play a no holds barred style of Hardcore that takes it's influences from Hardcore Punks early sound. 'Out of Time' offers six short bursts of anger and aggression. Songs running just over and under one minute make this a quick listen, one that had me and lost me upon numerous listens.
Though well done, two cover songs on one six song EP is one too many and won't earn
Killer of Sheep any awards in the creative department. While using the art from
Minor Threat's 'Out of Step' Ep might draw more notice due to its familiarity, it makes me wonder why a good band needs to rely so heavily on other's material. James Damion

Killer of Sheep  Bandcamp

Fuck You Pay Me - 2013 Demo

On their 2013 Demo Cleveland's Fuck You Pay Me offer two songs of raw, relentless, melt your face Hardcore that will impress any and everyone who loves and appreciates the hardcore genre and it's origins. High pitch vocals comparable to that of Springa (SSD) and Choke (Slapshot) with musical influences ranging from that of Negative FX, Slapshot, Negative Approach, Infest and later Power Violence bands. Add to that crash and burn guitar, and less than rhythmic drums/bass.
Definitely worth the listen. James Damion

Fuck You Pay Me  Bandcamp

World War IX - Off the Wagon

Fast paced and fun,
World War IX didn't crash the party to push politics, anarcho idealism or animal rights...they came for the keg, the chicks and any and all of the good times to be had. The one minute 'Bath Salt Zombies' brings to mind Black Flag's classic 'TV Party' with an anthemic and tongue in cheek vibe.
Though personally this is not my thing, it caught me at just the right moment, a moment I enjoyed and also made me laugh a bit. So sit back, (or in this case, jump up) have a good time and for funs sake don't take things so seriously. 
James Damion

World War IX  Get it Here

The Meatlocker hosts Ides, Collapse, Dead Serious and Pour the Pirate Sherry

It was one of those last minute decisions to jump in the car and head up to Montclair to fill my ears with some good tunes. The shows Facebook page listed "Doors at 8:00 show at 9:00" but as I arrived at around 9:40 there was no sign of life in the cavernous lair known as the Meatlocker. Frustrated and nearly knocked unconscious by a toxic smell that I can't begin to describe, I headed out for some air. A trip to the liquor store and Dunkin' Donuts killed some time and by 10:30 the smell of death had dissipated and the possibility of some live music began to take form.

Pour the Pirate Sherry opened up and played a stellar set of high energy Rock and Roll. Though I give them a lot of shit for their namesake, I have to admit they are pretty damn good. The Palisades Park trio don't seem to have any official releases but you can check them out here Pour the Pirate Sherry on Sound Cloud. Pour the Pirate Sherry  Facebook

Brooklyn's Dead Serious followed and really brought a Hardcore vibe to the room. Though I am completely new to the band, I hold many fond memories of catching singer Ryan Blands old band Home 33 in the 90's at venues such as the Pyramid and Coney Island high during the mid to late 90's. Watching him perform with Dead Serious really brought me back to those times and reminded me of a particular set where Ryan was hanging from the ceiling pipes of the Pyramid while belting out tracks that would become staples on the album 'Jody's Courtier'. All comparisons aside, Dead Serious are an entirely different band with a lot to offer with their straight forward style and the energy in which it's delivered. The band has opened for Converge and will soon be performing with Citizen's Arrest. Not bad if you ask me. Dead Serious Facebook

Next up were Detroit Rock Cities Collapse. After hearing the bands "Disarm" Ep I was excited to catch  an act that had managed to capture both my interest and curiosity after just a couple of listens. When I first heard the name 'Collapse' I mistakenly thought it was a reunion or reconfiguration of the short lived NYHC band I had seen at CBGB's and the Pyramid club in the  late 80's. With all the reunions of bands, even the more obscure ones, who could blame me.After briefly meeting the band at their merch table prior to the show I was quickly put back on track and placed firmly in the present.  From the very first note I felt perfectly in tune with the bands rhythm section was so powerful. it felt as if a sinister army of tanks were descending with a vengeance on Montclair's suburban streets. Accented with powerful vocals and stinging lead guitar, the Collapse quickly grabbed the attention of the crowd and personally had me wishing they were indigenous to these parts. Despite having downloaded 'Disarm' and speaking to them before the show, I found myself wanting to dig deeper. Just hoping they'll stop by on the way back home from their tour.
Collapse  Bandcamp

By the time Collapse closed their set I was physically exhausted and started to make my way back to my car for the trip home. Thanks to some much needed fresh air and a few words of encouragement by Pour the Pirate Sherry's Paul Beir, I decided to take a deep breath and head back downstairs. By then New Jersey locals Ide's had just launched into a manic set. I inched my way towards the action slowly as if approaching a rabid stray and before I knew it I found a spot where I could be close enough to get bit and gettin' bit is what I got. Ide's, another female fronted Hardcore band combine a ton of energy and emotion with some serious musicianship and a vibe that gives you the feeling off the vibe of "Your either with us or you're against us." Safe to say, I was definitely not the latter. Ide's Facebook

Overall, this was an excellent mix of bands and people. Proving once again that it's not so much about the real estate as it is about the people who occupy it. Until the next time... James Damion

Collapse - Disarm EP

Female fronted Hardcore band from Detroit that features impassioned vocals and riffs that rip and shred their way through some of the most impressive and sinister rhythms. The vocals are particularly impressive here,
finding a middle ground that walks the tightrope between more melodic Hardcore and Screamo.
Throughout the genre's history
I really can't recall any female fronted Hardcore bands that kept my attention or gained my admiration. Mostly due to a delivery that was often overbearing and discordant. Thanks to Collapse and a handful of new acts such as locals Archie Alone and Ides, that seems to be changing.
Collapse are the perfect balance. While tracks like "Fuck you, we're done" bring to mind
The Avengers and Penelope Houston, The opener "Animal" makes me wonder
"What if the New York's Nausea had a more melodic side to them?" Each of the eight tracks featured on 'Disarm' left an indelible mark on me. I can only hope to hear more soon.

If you're lucky enough to grab some hard copy of 'Disarm'. It comes in an artsy yet stark black dvd sized gatefold cover. Though the band is currently touring in our area I'm finding it difficult to find much information on them. Hopefully that will change soon. James Damion

Collapse Get it Here

Wreaths st album

Wreaths have been my  favorite local band for a few years now. I've seen them numerous times all around NJ and I have had a few mix cd's etc that the band have given me over the years, and I pretty much loved everything I've heard.  The bands brand new self titled Lp is full of all the songs I have heard live and likely in different stages of development on those mix cd's, but I have to say hearing the songs as a proper collection is a bit mind blowing.

Musically Wreaths songs are an intricate interweaving of psychedelia  and 70's alt rock (Eno comes to mind) with a modern twist. I find the songs to be somehow soothing yet invigorating at the same time. Wreaths create one hell of a good vibe with this album and I am glad they brought me into their musical universe...An absolute top 5 album for 2013 in this listeners opinion..Dave G.

Download album 

Purchase 10"   Recently release 10" that is a must have as well. 

Death - ...For the World to See

Detroit's Death are one of the most intriguing music stories to emerge in years. Formed in the 1971 by brothers Bobby, David and Dannis Hackney. In 1974 the band, with the financial backing of Colombia Records Clive Davis, went into the studio to record their first album. When the brothers refused Davis' urgings to change the bands name to something more commercially viable. Financial and label support ceased. The band released a short run of 500 copies the following year. By 1977 the brothers called it quits. By all reasonable means, that should have been the end of the story. Thankfully for everyone involved, a recent documentary and official release on Jack White's Third Man Records is giving the band Death their proper due and respect.

...For The World to See features the original seven tracks from that fateful 1974 recording. Seven songs of minimalist, bare bones hard rock that clock in at around
twenty six minutes. A sound that, years later, would serve as building blocks to what would become Punk and eventually American Hardcore. One can't help but draw comparisons to the Bad Brains. Those comparisons tend to get trippy when the listener is reminded that Death and '...For the World to See' predate the highly influential band by years.
Songs that portray rage, frustration and alienation with a raw urban vibe that paints a perfectly bleak picture of early 70's Detroit. Think the Stooges meet the Bad Brains in soul soaked time warp. 'Rock-N-Roll Victim' and 'Where Do We Go from Here?' are two of the albums stronger tracks while 'Politicians in my Eyes' is just mind blowing and as socially relevant today as it was in those tumultuous times.

This recording serves as a reminder of just how timeless music and the raw emotions that inspire it can be. '...For the World to See' feels just as relevant and urgent today as it was when it was recorded decades ago.

DEATH

Purple Suns - Yours

On their second release and follow up to January's 'Mines' EP, South Jersey's
Purple Suns show they are definitely a band on the rise with their impressive take on Metal and to be more precise, Stoner Rock. 'Yours', like its predecessor features four tracks that left a deep and sludgy footprint on this listener. Purple Suns deliver early Sabbath influenced vocals with fuzzed out dirty riffs and downright depressing rhythms.  Elements that reach vicious heights on tracks like 'Villains' and 'Concussion'.
Though somewhat different in style and approach,
'Mines' and 'Yours' compliment one another when played as an album. 'Yours' showcases a progression in the bands evolving sound and style. Impressive considering these guys are still a band in their infancy. Purple Suns seem to be brewing a sound comparable to current heavy hitters Kylesa and High on Fire. Knowing that these guys are cooking things up in our own backyard of Jersey is a comforting thought.
James Damion

Get it Here  Bandcamp

Ratnip - Done More On Less

Born out of the ashes of the band Suspect.
Review Here
New Jersey's Ratnip follow a similar musical path while kicking up the musicianship a notch or two.
'Done More On Less'
the bands debut full length delivers twelve songs of guitar driven Punk with elements of Hardcore thrown in here and there.
The instrumental 'This Quality of this Record is Suspect' introduces the album promisingly enough. While
'Big Hooker, Little Room', 
'Beer, Food, Dudes', and '973' highlight the record while informing the listener that Ratnip isn't looking to change the world. There are some really good guitar leads, riffs and bass lines on here but I can't help but feel as if I've heard them before. And while  'Done More on Less' definitely has it's moments, overall it doesn't do much to separate itself from the pack  or to leave any lasting impression.
James Damion

Ratnip  Bandcamp

WARXGAMES - 9 Trax / No Nightmare

Blistering hardcore punk delivered at lightning speed with pin point precision and accuracy.
WARXGAMES takes all the speed and nihilism of early hardcore thrash and attack it with  new sharpened claws.
Featuring members of Deep Sleep, Mindset, Oak and The Pist, the band more than lives up to it's Hardcore pedigree. Nine nihilistic songs delivered in less than nine blistering minutes.
Though the songs remind this listener of bands such as
The Abused, Infest, Brotherhood and to get downright obscure,
NYC Mayhem. The band and the songs featured more than create their own identity. It's the dark and ominous uncle that the clean cut, Champion adorned straight edge bands warned you about. Get ready to get dirty.
James Damion

Buy it Here

Pelican - Immutable Dusk (new song)

The mighty riff masters Pelican have released the first single " Immutable Dusk" from their upcoming Southern Lord Lp "Forever Coming".  Pelican haven't released  an Lp since 2009's "What We All Come To Need", but they haven't missed a beat either. These heshers are true masters of consistency, and of the monster riff...Dave G.

Heavy Riffing  Here

A Band Called Death; Official Trailer

Before the Bad Brains, the Ramones and the Clash, there was DEATH!

Cinema Cinema - Fifty Ft. Queenie / Adult Themes

In the oddest of couplings since President Obama and Governor Chris Christie walked hand and hand along the Jersey Shore. Brooklyn's experimental noise duo Cinema Cinema team up with New Jersey's micro-indie label Dromedary Records.
As the label gets ready to celebrate its twentieth anniversary it will be releasing an album featuring covers of songs released in 1993.
The fateful year Dromedary was launched.

'50 Ft. Queenie', a cover of the opening track to PJ Harvey's album 'Rid of Me' features the mind twisting reverb, savage guitar riffs, schizophrenic vocals and tribal drumming that we've come to expect from this Brooklyn duo. Yet somehow these kissing cousins managed to take things to a level of intensity that somehow manages to go beyond the scope of it's music. Since first being introduced to this very special band in mid 2011. I've noticed myself move from a position of observance to somewhat of spiritual inclusiveness. Where I once surrendered to the trip.
I feel as if I am now part of it. Just as Cinema Cinema's cover of '50 Ft Queenie' manages to take the song to new and barbarous heights. It also gave this listener a new level of appreciation and interest in PJ Harvey's classic.

The records B side 'Adult Themes' is surprisingly more melodic and atmospheric. The band really take it down on a notch on this song which features a spiraling guitar sound and a jazzier more rhythmic approach to the drums, it's a both interesting and welcome side of the band  that I've seldom seen before. The upcoming   'Covers' album will feature more than a dozen artists covering various songs from 1993. The double LP is to be patterned after the great 1994 compilation "Why Do You Think They Call It Pop?" from Pop Narcotic records. Look for it in the fall. James Damion

Dromedary Records  Get it Here

Big Star: "Nothing Can Hurt Me" Rockumentary

New rock doc to shed light on the greatness that was/is Big Star. The bands dismal commercial failure, subsequent massive critical acclaim, and enduring legacy of pop music's greatest cult phenomenon. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you 

"Nothing Can Hurt Me".

BL’AST!: Unreleased Recording Session Brought To Life By Dave Grohl For Release Via Southern Lord

"As far as stories of lost and found recorded material go, few tales can be told where all the pieces of the puzzle come together in fortunate ways, resulting in a brand new recording that surprised even the band themselves.
Having formed in 1982, infamous Santa Cruz hardcore legends BL’AST! released their first album, The Power of Expression in 1985. This debut blew everyone away and went on to become one of the highly sought after, “must- have” hardcore albums of the ‘80s. BL’AST! was beyond intense, continually pushing the boundaries of hardcore with their advanced musicianship, unstoppable energetic delivery and explosive live performances.
This overwhelming power caught the attention of SST records, who released the band’s second album, It’s In My Blood in 1987. Their third LP, Take The Manic Ride, was then released by the label in 1989. BL’AST!’s wide-eyed, ambitious approach and intense perseverance became an influence for many bands to come. Shortly after the release of Take The Manic Ride, the band broke up and their story was buried by time and dust….UNTIL NOW!
Earlier this year BL’AST! guitarist Mike Neider contacted Southern Lord with news that he had found some mysterious old BL’AST! master tapes in a abandoned storage locker.
Greg Anderson, a BL’AST! fanatic, wasted no time in sending the tapes to a studio to be baked. Needless to say, after 25 years gathering dust, the quality had deteriorated. Still, nobody could have anticipated what would follow. With the audio digitized, Southern Lord contacted fellow longtime BL’AST! fiend, Dave Grohl about mixing this recording, his response was an enthusiastic “FUCK YEAH!,"

NYHC Legends Judge Announce First Ever European Shows

After a historic reunion performance at this years Black N' Blue Bowl. NYHC legends Judge have scheduled their first ever European shows. No further plans have been announced as of yet. Stay tuned.

Stuyvesant Says Goodbye to Maxwell's

Last night I dusted off my old bones and headed over to Maxwells just in time to catch my favorite Crunch Pop nerds Stuyvesant. As the closing of
this legendary club looms near, every day I've had the opportunity to reflect on my twenty plus years of  going to shows on 11th and Washington.

From my early days of taking the Path from Manhattan to see acts such as Helmet,
Big Drill Car,

Sunny Day Real Estate,
The Doughboys, Knapsack and Dahlia Seed. (Just to name a select few.) To my nights walking or riding my bike from my nearby digs in Hoboken. Maxwells, for me and many others has been about the people just as much as it's been about the music.
The waiters, waitresses, bartenders, door and sound peeps and of course
Todd Abramson.

Each and every one of them played a part in making Maxwells a special place.

In recent years I've grown very accustomed to seeing the band Stuyvesant play Maxwells.
It wouldn't be any stretch of the imagination to describe them as Maxwells house band or for lack of a better term
'house blend'. The two go hand in hand in that I just could not imagine experiencing either without feeling a sense of joy. Good music, good vibes, good people. What else can you ask for?

No matter how tired, busy or downright sweaty I had become in the days leading up to Stuyvesant's final Maxwells show. I knew in my heart of hearts that there wasn't anything that was going to keep me from making an appearance. Prior to arriving; I can honestly say I was not in the highest of spirits. Thankfully that mood changed as soon as I made my way through the doors.

As the band took the stage with an unfamiliar face setting up behind the drums. "Where's Pete?" I thought. Turns out it was Friends, Romans, Countrymen drummer Dan Murphy. Without skipping a beat the crowd was treated to a single song quickie of a reunion with a performance of 'Marry Me, Fly Free'.
After a few hugs and some high fives from friends and family Dan became one of the crowd and Pete Martinez  ascended to his proper place behind the skins. From there on it was all Stuyvesant all the time.

The band put on a spirited set that brought to mind many exemplary nights at Maxwell's. The energy from both the band and crowd were electric. I don't think anyone really wanted it to end. The fact that we wouldn't let them leave the stage after two encores proves that.
The band was unplugging their gear for what might have been the third time when the crowds chants were met by
"Don't you people have to go to work in the morning?" The truth is, we didn't care. With a new record due soon, I know I'll be seeing Stuyvesant again in the near future. It's just kind of sad knowing it won't be at Maxwells.

Special thanks go out to Ralph, Brian, Sean and Pete for making it such a fun night.
I appreciate their giving into my nerdy request to each sign their set list. One day that shit is going to put my kids through college. James Damion

Nations Afire Streaming Debut Album 'The Ghosts We Will Become'

Nations Afire are streaming their debut full length 'The Ghost We Will Become'. The album is due out July 2nd on Redfield Records. The South California Hardcore band features current and former members of Ignite, Rise Against, Death By Stereo.


Get it Here: The Ghosts We Will Become

Images and Thoughts from Big Eyes show at Brooklyn's Death By Audio

Though it is way too late to do a review of the  Big Eyes performance at Brooklyn's Death By Audio;
It's never too late to post a few images and thoughts from the night. With a highly anticipated and praised debut album 'Almost Famous' in tow, the Seattle by way of Brookyn trio returned to their roots to play a high energy set at
Death By Audio in Williamsburg. There was plenty of positive vibes on both the stage and the dance floor. Kate is one of the fiercest guitarists I've seen, she packs a ton of energy and rock n' roll swagger into a small frame. I had the pleasure of speaking to Kate before and after the show and can't say enough about her or anyone involved with the band. This was my first trip to Brooklyn's Death By Audio and everyone involved with the venue were friendly and easy going. The club features two boxy rooms. The front features artful walls, a stage and sizable dance floor. Whlie the back features tables for band merch and an area for cheap refreshments. Overall, a nice little DIY space.
James Damion

Big Eyes Kate Eldridge

Big Eyes Chris Costalupes

Dance, Dance, Dance!!!

Check out my review of Big Eyes 'Almost Famous' Here

Images and Insight from the Black Flag Reunion

In the days and weeks leading up to Black Flag's reunion show at Warsaw in Brooklyn my interest in attending reached an epic low. The fact that my friends in Cinema Cinema were on the bill was an exciting addition but hell, I could see them most days of the week without the hassle of bouncers, barricades and drunken forty somethings trying to relive their glory days in the mosh pit.

Lucky for me, the excitement of my friends in Cinema Cinema and the fact that they were kind enough to get me on the guest list allowed me the opportunity to have a friend come along and enjoy what had become an extra ticket. By the time Jason got to the club we had already missed the first band and made it to the front just in time to watch Ev and Paul of Cinema Cinema set up their weapons of mass destruction. It was great to be there to celebrate their success. The band has been incredibly busy playing countless shows, recording, making videos while practicing brain surgery as a hobby. The duo put on an amazing show that really doesn't change with the size of the stage, venue or audience. Big, loud, manic hard rock beauty with lots of reverb, distortion and intensity. One of the biggest rushes I got from their set had nothing to do with what they were playing. It was seeing Greg Ginn and Ron Reyes leaning on every note while proudly wearing Cinema Cinema gear. That impressed me a lot. For as long as I can remember going to shows. I've seen too many bands hanging outside the club or backstage while other bands (many of which were their friends poured their hearts out on stage.) A great show and another great opportunity for this very deserving band. They've got a new 7 inch with a cover of PJ Harvey's '50 Ft. Queenie' out on Dromedary Records. Go scoop up a couple of dozen copies.

When I got wind that a forth band was added to the bill I was less than excited. In reality,
I was hoping for a short night and an additional band meant I wasn't getting home anytime soon. That all changed though when Good For You got down to business.

Honestly, I did not know thing one about this band beforehand, but by the time they were half way through their set, I was ready to run out and get the record. Take Black Flag and add skater and all around bad ass Mike Vallely's blues rock elements and you've got yourself a little party.
Mike makes an awesome frontman. During the set  many in the crowd had gotten very drunk, belligerent and downright stupid. Throwing beer at the stage (Yeah, you have to be pretty fucking stupid to waste beer.) But he took it in stride "Throwing beer at me is like throwing a glass of water at the ocean." When things got a little out he hand, he reminded the instigators that he could indeed beat the life out of them. It was a good set. One I was really glad to have experienced.

As Black Flag took the stage the crowd started pushing their way towards the stage. I couldn't help but feel a war was about to break out. I had no idea it was going to be world war III. The crowd went ballistic as Ron Reyes launched into the bands set. As much of my Black Flag history relies on Keith Morris, Henry Rollins and Dez Cadena. I wasn't sure what to expect from Reyes? Would I have a chance to experience a band whose early releases turned this and many other young teens into lifetime Flag bearers? Lucky for me and anyone with a ticket, the latter would firmly apply. This was no old man reliving his salad days. Ron Reyes' presence and overall performance was strictly legit and praise worthy. Watching Greg Ginn firing on all cylinders gave me an entirely new level or respect for him, his work and his integrity. 

As Black Flag ripped through their set I found myself fighting for my own survival, as the crowd pushed forward the photographers at the front were being crushed against the metal barriers. The constant pressing against the gates andassault of feet, fists, kicks and sweat definitely took it's toll. The people fighting to squeeze us out from the front didn't help much. Notable were the group of four or so forty somethings whose drunken mayhem was so idiotic, it made one of their wives visibly distraught.
Then there was the guy who spent most of the GFU and Black Flag sets giving anyone and everyone the middle finger while endlessly screaming "Fuck You" to the bands he paid to see. As I headed out I saw some old friends, many of which I was just to drained to stop and talk to.

Before I could leave I got into an altercation with a guy who almost knocked me over while pushing his way through the crowd. I threw the garbage can that he had pushed over in his direction which prompted him to swing on me. Luckily, he was so drunk that he missed me by a zip code. He would have most certainly ended me if cooler heads  hadn't stepped in to diffuse the situation. Overall, it was a great show that had it's share of challenges and frustration. All things considered, it gave me the chance to experience musical experiences both old and new. I guess you can go back every once in a while.

James Damion

Emotive Drive 1989 Demo Available for Download

New Jersey's Emotive Drive were a hardcore band that got their start in the late 1980’s and released an 8 song demo in 1989. The band played with acts such as Supertouch and Cause for Alarm at long gone venues such as Connecticut's Anthrax and NYC's legendary CBGB's. At the time, they were a personal favorite of mine, having appeared in my fanzine Unite. I still have the bands WNYU and WNYU's
Crucial Chaos sets along with the two tracks they were to contribute to the "Unite" compilation back in 1990.
 For now, you can go to their Bandcamp page and  download this 8 song demo for free. They also provide a brief history of the band and it's members.
Go check it out. James Damion

Emotive Drive  Bandcamp

Poor Lily - Vuxola

Poor Lily play music that is a little hard to describe, and unfortunately, they only gave me two songs to sample from their sophomore album "Vuxola" which doesn't really give me the opportunity to see how the album is going to unfold, however based on the crazy energy on display in these two songs the band have definitely peeked my interest.

Song #1 "Crunchy Skulls" starts out with some badass bass rumbling with wah wah type guitar noise layered over the top. The vocals are a wonderful combination of anger and madness that bring Jello Biafra to mind.

Song #2 "The  Days Are Not Piano Keys" whips by in a high speed whirlwind that drops another awesome bass run in the middle of the song before whipping itself back into a fury as it heads for the finish line.

In closing, I have to say that these two songs are mighty impressive and they have certainly left me wanting to hear more.If you're an adventurous listener who would like to hear something that doesn't fit neatly into any particular genre and sounds like no one else out there at the moment then please give Poor Lily two minutes and twenty four seconds of your day (total length of both songs)...Dave G.

Poor Lily

Cinema Cinema Premieres Video for "50 ft. Queenie"

Tomorrow I'll be posting my review of Cinema Cinema's "50 ft. Queenie" single which was just released last week by Dromedary Records . In the meantime I wanted to share their video for the song. This way, when I describe they're approach to a PJ Harvey song as "diabolicalyptic", you'll know exactly what I mean. Caution, keep this video away from small children and adults with heart conditions. United By Rocket Science is not responsible for any exploding heads or melting flesh. Enjoy James Damion

Violent Reaction - City Streets

Modern straight edge hardcore with a touch of  early 80's British street punk thrown into the mix, at least to my ears. Overall, the music is tight, angry and raging throughout the entire length of the Lp. Violent Reaction do a nice job of keeping the listener on their toes by combining  a good mixture of mid-tempo stompers with a few songs that move along at breakneck speed while still maintaining memorable hooks and thick chunky breakdowns...Good Shit...Dave G.  

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Family Matters with Brooklyn's Cinema Cinema

It's been almost a year since I originally sat down with Cinema Cinema in their dilapidated Brooklyn rehearsal space. During that storied interview I got an up close and personal look at Ev Gold and Paul Claro. That night I learned about the bands music, their family ties and what drives them to spend just about every moment of their free time on the road, in the studio and on the stage. Since that early July night I've grown closer to Ev and Paul. 
Close enough to honestly call them friends and have them consistently refer to me as family. So in the midst of a new single (A cover of PJ Harvey's "50 ft. Queenie) dropping this week on Dromedary Records, yesterdays interview with the Village Voice and an opening slot with the legendary Black Flag just hours away. It seemed like the perfect time to test that bond and it's limits by asking them for an interview. Remarkably, it worked out and I'm still getting invitations to family gatherings and ceremonial bloodletting. Here's what they had to share. 
James Damon

James: Cinema Cinema is set to open for the legendary Black Flag Saturday night.
You've spent a lot of time with Greg Ginn over the last couple of years.
Did you ever have any idea that a Black Flag reunion, however splintered, was ever a possibility?

Ev: NO. Not a word was ever mentioned of Black Flag reuniting during any of the previous five or six runs we have done with Greg and his other projects over the last few years.

Paul: It was such an unrealistic thought, it wasn't even worth dreaming about.

Ev Gold's take on the dueling Black Flag reunions; 
"One is authentic and has vital contributions to make to the cannon in a whole new way in the present day and one is a cover band that will play your event for the right price."

James: Were you at all surprised about your inclusion on the bill?

Ev: Honored and surprised.

Paul: There was some shock value, for sure. But once that wore off I was mostly,
just totally thankful.

James: You mentioned in our last interview that Greg was never one to rely heavily on his salad days. Did the announcement of these reunions catch you off guard?

Ev: 100%

Paul: Definitely wasn't sitting around waiting for that phone call, something that could never be anticipated.

James: What's your take on the politics of the different Flags being flown?

Ev: One is authentic and has vital contributions to make to the cannon in a whole new way in the present day and one is a cover band that will play your event for the right price.

Paul: What he said!

James: As time has passed the initial rush of the reunion has cooled off considerably.
My attention has turned to the fact that a couple of good friends are going to be kicking up the resume by playing the show. What do you think the kids (excuse the term) can teach their elders?
Do you think Black Flag can keep up with what Cinema Cinema has been known to deliver?

Ev: Believe me, we intend to absolutely destroy at these shows.. but i know in my heart that CC wouldn't sound like it does or work the way it does without the influence of BF and I am sure we will still be learning new lessons from the side of the stage after our set is over as the new lineup that Greg assembled for BF is the strongest one yet, in my opinion.

Paul: Absolutely. This lineup is NOT to be fucked with. I want to enter in an endurance test with their drummer.

James: In one of the oddest pairings in recent memory Cinema Cinema is teaming up with
Dromedary Records for their 20th anniversary "Covers" release. Though Al runs a stellar label, Dromedary isn't known for its heavy hitters or skull crushing acts. How did the opportunity show itself?

Ev: In such a natural and organic way that we couldn't ignore the chance to work together.
I will try to keep it brief: "big-hearted music loving NJ label head throws annual benefit show at Maxwell's for Roots and Wings foundation.

Cinema Cinema is asked to play the 2012. We made a good impression to a packed room. (somehow!Being crazy men has an appeal, who know?) After the show Al explains that he has run his label with love and care for nineteen years, keeping it alive through any and all changes in the business.
He asks us to be involved in the twentieth anniversary covers compilation for his label in 2013. The compilation, celebrating songs from 1993 (The year Dromedary started) We chose and recorded
PJ Harvey's "50 Ft. Queenie". Al's first reaction is "Holy Shit".
We thought we could stand alone as well and move forward with vinyl and digital "eye to eye D.I.Y." based deal for the cover song and one of the songs "Adult Themes" from
"Manic Children & the Slow Depression" as the B-side. In the end, everybody is happy.

James: Have you always been a fan of Harvey's work?  Was there anything specific that made you connect with that particular song?

Paul: Ev had suggested it as a possibility for our cover choice. I loved the song, but wasn't sure about it at first. But as soon as we got into the studio and fucked with it, the decision made itself.

James: Will you be playing the song at the Black Flag gig?

Ev: Anything can happen,

but I believe that we will be taking the set list that we have been touring hard and honing since last summer's release of "MANIC CHILDREN..." and deliver it to it's largest crowd yet. That set list does not include "50ft Queenie".
Why change an already proven and effective playbook when there are dozens of ears out there that have yet to hear it? "Queenie" WILL be added to the set this summer, but i doubt it will show up at the Black Flag shows.

James: We've talked about your kinship within the band in the past. But after seeing you at
Grand Victory and hearing about how busy you will continue to be in the second half of 2013 and beyond. I couldn't help but wonder about your relationships outside the band.
Does all that time away put a strain on your personal relationships? If so, how do you cope with it and how important is it as a musician or any artist to have a supportive and understanding partner?

Paul: I'm lucky enough that I get to do this with someone who is both my friend AND my family. So its not as hard to cope, but there's always going to be a certain amount of strain involved. For the most part though, our loved ones see we are on the right path. They see how hard we work to balance it all. So, I find myself becoming more grateful for the time I have with friends and family (those not named Ev Gold).

Ev: It is a dream come true to share these experiences with one of my best friends/family members. A sacred privilege. It has its demands but its rewards are priceless..especially when your not in it for the money, but rather the release it affords you. Best part is, as we go forward we learn even more how to attempt balance and moreover to respect what we do and treat others with that respect as well.

James: Last but not least, I've seen you a handful of times (maybe once or twice) and each time watching the crowds reaction is just as interesting, if not more than watching to perform. No matter the gig, the playlist or the crowd, there's always one certain.
You always close out the set with this reverb, distortion sacrifice to the gods that takes on its own ritualistic nature. When you're exorcising those demons (or perhaps welcoming them) what are you going through? Being that it's a major part of your set, how much of it is a natural release and how much of it is stage performance?

Paul: Total natural release for me. I'm always trying to put on a good show for whoever is present, but in the end...our shows have nothing to do with the audience. Its about being free to be the truest form of yourself and using that freedom to make a statement. There's a reason why it goes to that place every single time we close a set, regardless of how many people are there. We have no choice, its just what we do.

Ev: You can't just dig a grave, you gotta go through with the burial.

James:Where does Cinema Cinema go after this Black Flag gig?

Ev: Europe in November with Martin Bisi.

Paul: More hard work, day-jobs, tours, day-jobs, practice, Europe, more hard work.

Cinema Cinema  Band Site

Dromedary Records Get the new single here

Thinning The Herd - Freedom from the Known

If you've been following the many highs and absolute lows of Thinning the Herd over the past year or so you will know how absolutely important this record is to the band and it's founder Gavin Spielman.
With a number of personnel changes over the years and upon hearing of the very tragic and unforeseen death of the bands drummer Rich Cimato on December 26th, I'm sure many wondered about the future of Thinning the Herd. Would they sink or would they swim? Luckily for all involved, the future would prove the latter.

"Freedom from the Known" is highlighted by Spielman's exceptional guitar wizardry, trademark thick muscular riffs and powerful vocals. The album opens with the Motorhead heaviness and menacing vocals of "Never Wanted". "Doctor Reed", my personal favorite track follows, bringing early Metallica to mind  with it's angry growls and abusive guitar attack.
The albums third track "Sludge" lives up to it's title by bringing things to a slow, grinding pace. It's muddier than a Warrior Dash, with elements of unrelenting bluesy stoner rock, with Sabbath inspired rhythms and power. Spiraling , spoken word samples sprinkled in give the album a nice narrative feel. While the lyrics convey a spiritual and survivalist nature that hints at transcendentalism.

Released on St. Marks Records, "Freedom from the Known" is a stellar collection of songs and a soaring triumph for a band that's been through the ringer. Gavin's musicianship, leadership and overall resilience stand as testament of what can be accomplished with the drive and determination to execute the overall plan. James Damion

Get it Here TTH music

Big Eyes - Almost Famous

When I originally picked up
Big Eyes 2010 Demo Ep it was with the hopes of balancing out my Grave Mistake Records cart. There I was bringing my cart to an even sixty dollars adding a band unknown to me strictly based on the label cred.
Little did I know that the ep's four songs would become the highlight of that days purchase, thus introducing me to a band that was residing right in my back yard known as Brooklyn.

A few years later, with a couple of splits and the
"Back to the moon" EP tucked nicely under their belts. The band, now residing in Seattle, have unleashed their first LP.

"Almost Famous" finds this very talented trio in top form. Excellent songwriting and musicianship marked by Kate Eldridge's youthful voice and hook laden, riff heavy, guitar prowess. Though comparisons to Kate Shattuck of the Muffs are both accurate and complimentary. I can also hear hints of Joan Jett's early solo work. "Half the Time" ever so slightly recalls Jett's "You Don't Know What You've Got." The eleven songs featured on "Almost Famous" highlight the growth, maturity and overall focus of a band who's beginnings always seemed less than humble. As many of us less than talented rock writers hit the mid point of 2013 and begin looking at the years very best releases, "Almost Famous" sits rather comfortably at the top of mine. My turntable, not to mention my ears, humbly thank the band. James Damion

Get it Here  Grave Mistake Records

Cold Fur - Altamont Every Night

The highly anticipated debut has finally landed and damn, it sure is good. For those living outside of Jersey Nation, Cold Fur brings together members of Rye Coalition (Ralph Cuseglio, Dave Leto) and The Want (Adam Valk,Jeff Mackey).

"Altamont Every Night", which was engineered by the legendary Steve Albini delivers eleven songs of 70's Rock N' Roll excess and swagger, featuring
Ralph Cuseglio's signature screams, and  some nice dirty guitar work from  a louder than fuck rhythm section that would impress even the most dedicated Sabbath fan. Not only is it noteworthy, it's bastard sound is flat out praiseworthy.

Tracks like "Bro'd to Death" and "Just Like Brian Jones"deliver rock n roll genius with absolute savagery. While "Fat Vampires From Planet Wolf" drown the listener with its slow stoner pace and slutty guitar. Each song perfectly personifies the embodiment of the records title, with its tight jeans and big mustache imagery you'll feel as if your speeding down a dirty dusty road in search of those elusive Kiss tickets.

Fans of Rye Coalition will not be the least disappointed with this gem. While those seeking a departure from the sound that band delivered might be disappointed. Nevertheless, "Altamont Every Night" goes a long way to live up to its title. Providing everything you would ask for from a Rock N' Roll record and band. Get it. Live it. Let it kill you. James Damion

Get it Here  Bandcamp

Low Fat Getting High - Bad Yoga

Gritty and emotive post core that hits you like a rush of adrenaline into the blood stream. Four songs of thoroughly impressive rock that experiments with influences and sounds ranging from metal to post hardcore and grunge. The opener "Better, Better, Worse"  offers blazing guitars and pounding rhythms that bring to mind a fuzzed out power of Queens of the Stone Age and/or "Bleach" era Nirvana. "Childhood Friend" follows with similar speed and precision, while "The Claw" speeds things up. It's the closing track "My Hate", which is the longest song on Bad Yoga, and my personal favorite that brings the EP to a crashing, pummeling and titanic end.
"Bad Yoga" never lets up and never lets the listener down. Thus serving as an excellent introduction to a band with a less than inspiring name. I can't wait to hear more. James Damion