Disengage "Look Back"

Chances are you've heard the buzz around this band made up of some familiar faces from the Wilkes-Barre hardcore scene. If you haven't, then X the fuck up and get into it! Disengage are waving the flag of straight edge hardcore and kickin' it to you old school.

Just from looking at the album art you should know what you're getting into. The art (reminiscent of Release's The Pain Inside EP), recalls a throwback to '88 style youth crew hardcore. The music does as well. Low-fi production, circle pits, simple lyrics, dance floor clearing mosh parts...ahhhh yes it's all here in 7 super short blasts. "Drinking Song" is a personal favorite, with its classic DYS/SSD inspired riffs, along with the 2 second proclomation that says all that needs to be siad on the song "I Am". This record is pure fun.

Disengage reminds us why those classic east coast hardcore bands that they emulate are awesome, while still creating something that kicks the shit out of a lot of modern day bands.

http://www.backtobackrecords.com/

http://www.facebook.com/BACKTOBACKRECORDS

Ringworm @ The Roxy, Hollywood 10/10/10

Just came across this video. Really great show. First time getting to see Ringworm and was not dissapointed. Blacklisted also played an intense (last??) set. Not sure what your stance is on Scion putting together hardcore shows but if it's bands like Ringworm and Integrity they're flying over to California AND it's free...uhh yeah doesn't really bother me.

OFF! "S/T"

This record will really tap into the Black Flag fan in all of us. Keith Morris' new project sounds and feels like the long lost b-sides to Nervous Breakdown. And I'm not just talking about the songs themselves, the production totally brings you that same vibe. So it shouldn't surprise you that this EP is damn near flawless. These fours songs blow right past you and leave you craving more. The thing that is great is that these short displays of fury all have their own hooks that make them memorable and easy to repeat over and over. Punk rock in it's most raw state; pissed off, paranoid, and reckless.

http://www.facebook.com/offband

Madball "Empire"

Let's get one thing clear; when it comes to New York Hardcore, Sick Of It All will now and forever hold my vote for the kings of NYHC. Still, Madball reigns along side them at the top of my list.

If you've heard their last release or any other bad ass Madball record, you know what to expect. Empire is tough, street wise and heavy as fuck. Lets talk about some standout tracks starting with the opening song "Invigorate" with its driving double bass attack and defiant lyrics. Track 4 "All Or Nothing" is another hand pick and will have you smashing your enemy and singing along in the process, no kidding this song is catchy. My personal favorite happens to be "R.A.H.C." ( REAL American Hardcore) ,which is a violently fast "FUCK YOU!" to naysayers who claim hardcore is dead and buried (Looking forward to that American Hardcore re-write Mr. Blush...).

Another great Madball record. Still throwing punches and perhaps more relevent than ever.

http://www.facebook.com/madballNYC

Buy it at RevHQ
http://revhq.com/store.revhq?Page=search&Id=GFM008

Hands Tied "Through The Wreckage"

Hands Tied wins against Mouthpiece in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, MP rules but there is just an energy and excitement in Hands Tied that gets me pumped!

Through The Wreckage is a 2 song ep released by Tim McMahon and crew. I think it's so rad that Hands Tied put this out and is playing shows again. These couple of songs do not let me down and HT has not lost their magic. Straight up youth crew inspired hardcore with some great mosh parts. The intro to "Empty Words" alone makes me want to clear that dancefloor for some serious stomping. Anyway, i'm not even sure if these are still in stock they sold out pretty quick. Either way find a way to hear this EP and get happy, Hands Tied is back!

http://www.livewire-records.com/


Oh yeah and read DOUBLE CROSS too!
http://doublecrosswebzine.blogspot.com/

Betrayed "Suffering"

OK so it's been way to long since I've reviewed any new material but I can't think of a better record to start back up with than this.

It has been a while since Betrayed has released new material (Substance 2006) and for me at least, the wait has been unbearable. This time around this EP is being release on singer Aram Arslanian's own label REACT! Records, one of the best labels out there in 2010. When this 7 " arrived on my doorstep today I couldn't wait to give it a listen. What I found was something a little different from what I expected but was awesome none the less.

Betrayed is known for infusing a late 80's DC hardcore vibe into their music courtesy of Todd Jone's melodic guitar passages. With Suffering, Betrayed seems to have eased up on their usual sound and has gone for a more straight ahead hardcore assault. With the exception of the stunning title track, the three other songs on the EP are lightning fast and razor sharp traditional youth crew anthems. "Against The Grain" kicks off the record with a great bass and drum roll build up and does not look back. "To Try" spits some courage at you and charges straight for the gut. The song "Suffering" has a beautiful jangling guitar riff and is a real mid-tempo rocker with a unique bridge featuring harmonizing vocals. "Your Response" finishes off the record with one last call to arms to take action against poverty and consumerist culture. In a matter of a short few minutes this record rips and shreds through your stereo leaving you feeling exhilerated and inspired to do something!

Do yourself some good and buy this record through the REACT! webstore or through your favorite distro. This band and this label are doing something great for the hardcore scene and bringing a message back to the music. I was lucky enough to have seen Betrayed perform a couple of these new song's at both the Insted reunion and the React! showcase and well I can't wait to hear them again now that I am more prepared. So guy's where are the shows!?!

http://www.itstimetoreact.com/