KEEP IT CLEAR - Promo 2016

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Release: React! Records, 2016

Move back to 2007/2008, a transition between the old and the new. Renowned DIY labels (and bands) which were once a reference to the Youth Crew revival movement worldwide (Rivalry, Not Just Words, etc..) were slowing their production pace and eventually calling it a day, giving place for new ones to carry the torch which leads us to LEGITIMATE BROS.

From my understanding the Legitimatebros were a Vancouver/Seattle crew (or Northwest Hardcore area) that shared members in a whole load of bands such as: BLUE MONDAY, Go It Alone, Circles, In Stride, ON, Get The Most, Gone But Not Forgotten.. and of course KEEP IT CLEAR. They had a website where you could download demos, check new projects and such, then they started to release records which may resulted in the creation of REACT! RECORDS sometime in 2008.

In the following year came out Keep It Clear's debut self titled EP on Not Just Words which was the label's second to last release. My mind was blown away by this 7" and sure helped keep the YC revival lit on that period together with True Colors, ON, Pressure and the yet ascending Mindset.

Now fast forward to 2014, after a long hiatus, a discography 12" comes out and ideas about getting back together to play live and record a new album were no longer rumours, in midyear they embarked on a full european tour w/ CIAC. With the add of Aram Arslanian (also currently playin in True ID) on the team it didn't take that much longer to go back to studio and record this babe, this dude is relentless, for the sake of hardcore I hope he and the legitimatebros continues to write music for decades.

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you know the fucking deal

CLIMATE - MMXVI

Location: Portland, US

Release: Dog Years Records, 2016

Dog Years does it again, they released one of my fav releases last year, the Headrush EP. Now they signed a slick new group named CLIMATE that is comprised of members from Better Times, Focused Minds and Young Turks. Youth crew 2000's era revival. Cassettes of this debut record will be available soon here and a new EP to follow later this year! 

I don't think there are many vegan/vegetarian hardcore bands left out there anymore. For me the most efficient way of protest in this capitalist world is to NOT consume a product (or reduce drastically). People freak out when you do so: "what do you mean you don't eat meat? what you eat?", "we are on top of the food chain", "lions kill their prey to survive, why wouldn't I?", "vegetables also feel pain!", "leather comes from the same animal we use for beef cattle, it's a win/win situation". Aside from all hyprocrisy/controversy that this matter generates one thing is undeniable: animals live (if you call that a living) to meet our demands and we are billions, on the counterpart they pay the highest price: agonizing/systematic death.

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RINGER - Demo 2016

Location: Richmond, US

Release: DIY, 2016

New hardcore band, tip from Dasha Big Boss! It's RINGER hailing from the effervescent Richmond scene, presenting 4 tracks of old school flavored hardcore with bits of youth crew influences, totalling less than 6 minutes the whole demo! The band features members from I.C.E. and is fronted by Darcy who sounds real pissed, throwing back all the garbage girls has to deal with inside (and outisde) the HC community.

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BONEHEAD - Love Is Pain

Location: Columbus, US

Release: Think Again Records, 2016

When a band kicks off with such a killer debut like this one it's always impressive, especially when the dudes involved were (apparently) in no other known bands. BONEHEAD's sound could be described as a punk Slayer, the good era (86'-90'), 5 tracks of fast thrash crossover perfection!

This new label Think Again is on the right path by putting out the raddest music on tape, please share and support DIY initiatives like this! 

PURCHASE TAPE HERE SOON

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CORRECTIVE MEASURE - S/T 7"

Location: Maine, US

Release: Atomic Action! / Broke & Infamous / Refuse Records, 2016

Dudes in CORRECTIVE MEASURE don't waste time, they hit the ground running! In last than a year they've put out a demo, a promo tape and now their debut EP, and it only gets better and better.

They play aggro and raw hardcore reminiscent to the 80's golden age of NYHC: Straight Ahead, Krakdown, Altercation and son on.. with tracks clocking around the 1 minute mark, they leave no room for bullshit, just straight forward old school mentality. Also check the dates for their summer tour w/ Life of Reilly:

PRE ORDER 7" USA / EUROPE
TAPES AVAILABLE SOON HERE

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TRUE IDENTITY - Promo 2016

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Release: React! Records, 2016

WE'RE BACK!

Dave Aram Jim Carl Alex

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JUDICIARY - Axis Of Equality

Location: Lubbock, US

Release: DIY, 2016
Artwork: Andrei Bouzikov

West Texa's crossover JUDICIARY has put this babe out a few months back, flawless production!!

With half of the members just leaving high school 2 years ago they've put one hell of a demo back then, groovey and heavy hardcore. In Axis Of Equality they gathered a team of experts to bring 4 crushing tunes beyond expectations, more thrash, more killer riffage. 

Eyetooth collective provided the cassettes and are (as usual) stepping up the tape game, so far I came across 3 color varations, true gems!
  

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Please visit their bandcamp for leftover merch and tapes!

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN - Demo 2016

Location: Illinois, US

Release: Think Again Records, 2016

Hardcore punk is about renewal, it's more thank ok to use the same old formula as a way to express yourself. We grow up admiring those who came first, bands we've learned to respect and look after.. however, without newer bands coming up the cycle would have stopped in the 80's. No more shows, no one to talk about and share, just jaded old punkers.

This renewing force is very much alive in Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland where a promising new straight edge band comes up showing that the Youth Crew has still plenty of years ahead or as long as we live in this diseased society full of shallow needs and values.

Difference Between share members with other totally worth checking bands from the great Illinois state: Youth Crisis and Hard Feelings. Also don't forget to follow Think Again Records for upcoming cool releases!

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