Show Of Force
"The overall message is that this world is fucked up. It’s not just the constant threat of war or diseases that these so called governments are shoving down your throat. But you also have to deal with all sorts of day to day crap. I say burn it all down and start fresh."
"The overall message is that this world is fucked up. It’s not just the constant threat of war or diseases that these so called governments are shoving down your throat. But you also have to deal with all sorts of day to day crap. I say burn it all down and start fresh."Could you please introduce Show Of Force to our readers? How did you meet and how long have you all been a band?
We’re Show Of Force and we’re from Holland. I’ve met this crazy French guy called Sebastien at work and he was into the same kind of hardcore as I am.So he said we should start a band. I called up Joost who I knew from our previous band and found a new drummer called Tijs. We started rehearsing in early 2007. The crazy French guy emigrated to Australia and Cas has since then replaced him.
Is it your first band or were or still are any of you in side-projects?
Joost (bass) and me (vocals) were in a metalcore band called Stone Cold that started in 1995 and lasted until 2002. We released a DIY EP and a full length album on Gangstyle records. Check out myspace.com/stonecoldrip for some tunes. We’re doing a thrash metal side project with some old members. Our guitar player also plays in a metalcore act called Burn Brighter check it on www.myspace.com/burnbrightermusic. And our drummer plays with himself in his spare time hahaha.
Your debut EP has just been released recently via Real Recognizes Real records. How do you feel about the finished product and the response it has been getting?
We’re satisfied with the end product. The overall sound is hard and aggressive. But we’re looking ahead and working on new tracks so hopefully we’ll be able to hit the studio in early 2010.
Reactions have been very positive thus far. Older guys recognize the sound and younger kids are enthusiastic because you don’t have a lot of bands around that still play this style.
Do you have a favorite song on the EP?
Sentenced To Death. It has this old school, even a bit melodic vibe to it but also has this pounding mosh part. Also the lyrics and the sample at the end came out really well.
How would you describe the lyrics on the album? Is there any message you would like to get across to the listener or it’s more personal stuff?
The overall message is that this world is fucked up. It’s not just the constant threat of war or diseases that these so called governments are shoving down your throat.
But you also have to deal with all sorts of day to day crap. I say burn it all down and start fresh.
Would you say the hardcore music is therapeutic to you, like you can have your say and just get some things off your chest?
Yes. I’ve been in bands since I’ve been 14 years old. And screaming your lungs out at least once a week is very therapeutic. I could recommend it to anybody.Also other band related issues that need to happen keep you busy. I don’t want to think about what I would be doing without it.
One thing that I like when listening to your songs is that it somehow sounds fresh at the same being deeply rooted in the traditions of the genre. How do you go about, when writing new material? Where do you try to find your influences?
Our main goal when we started this band was to bring back that 90’s hardcore sound which we all grew up on. But at the same time have that brutal hardcore sound you have nowadays. Joost comes up with the music and I write the lyrics. Influences are of course NYHC bands like Madball, Killing Time, Cro-Mags, Bulldoze, Breakdown, Merauder....etc. But also that Cleveland sound from bands like Integrity, One Life Crew, Ringworm. Basically bands that make you want to destroy everything around you.
Your EP is distributed by Allhiphopshop.com. How this collaboration did come about?
The owner of Allhiphopshop.com used to play guitar in our old band Stone Cold. We always kept in touch and in the meantime he started to sell hiphop and hardcore albums through his shop. Eventually he also started Real Recognizes Real records and he put out records for Danny Diablo and the Shotblockers.
Then we recorded our EP and he offered to bring it out on RRR. He’s got all the contacts so that’s very helpful. Also check out the new albums for Grizz Rock and Skam Dust coming out soon on RRR.
How important is playing shows for the band and basically giving a good performance? Are gigs more of the fun or rather hard work for you?
Very important. You can be the tightest band in the world but if you don’t deliver on stage you might as well go do something else especially in hardcore. I remember the first time I saw a hardcore band on stage it blew me away. Before that I only saw metal bands but those dudes mostly stand there banging their heads. Cool but not the same. We want to keep it fun and want to play shows with hardcore bands and a hardcore crowd. So we’re more picky and don’t play every shit hole for a couple of bucks each weekend like we did back in the days.
If you could put together a show with any band of your choice, what would this band look like?
Killing Time with Anthony Comunale on vocals. I saw them this year at the New York Hardcore Superbowl and his voice is amazing. One of the greatest hardcore bands that is still playing. They did a European tour a while ago but with a different singer. I think a lot of people would come out to see this.
There always has been pretty massive hardcore scene in The Netherlands. What’s happening with it now? What are some of the bands kids should check out?
I think it’s getting better. There was a period when there was not a lot going on in the scene. Nowadays the bigger bands still draw a crowd and there’s a lot of new bands coming up. So hopefully there will be a next big hardcore wave like we had in the 80’s and 90’s.Metalcore is getting bigger and bigger but a lot of these kids have no idea where it came from. Also the bands are drifting away from the hardcore sound. Dutch bands to look out for are All For Nothing, New Morality, Strike First and us of course.
What do you think is it about hardcore that make it a lifestyle to kids all around the globe?
It appeals to kids because of the rebellious nature of hardcore. Ideal when you’re young and you want to listen to something different then that top 40 bullshit. Hopefully you pick up some different views about life in the meantime. That you can apply in your personal life later on.
Plans, gigs and releases planned for the rest of 2009 and beyond?
We got some shows planned and writing new material. So hopefully we’ll hit the studio next year.
Wrapping up this interview please tell the kids why they should go out and cop your debut EP?
Check it out if your into no nonsense hardcore like it used to be made. Order it online at www.allhiphopshop.com and check out some tunes at www.showofforcehardcore.com.
x Represent x / The Pledge / x The War x - split EP
This short EP comes with more than its fair of sharp moments and a lot to enjoy if you like your hardcore served raw and heavy. Every band here is relentless and tight as they just pound their way through their songs.
Right from the first band it is plain to see that the album will be an engaging ride. I’ve already known xRepresentx so I knew what to expect. The band doesn’t disappoint this time with their fast and right in your face hardcore. The straight edge message is pretty clear and they don’t beat around the bush with their drug free ethics. The Pledge is the only band here I haven’t been familiar with. Their style is more traditional old school and there are more emotions in what they do compared to the rest of the pack. Although both of their songs don’t go over about 90 seconds mark, there are some good ideas going on here with nice use of gang vocals, danceable beats , slick melodies and catchy choruses. Next comes the Aussie most wanted - xThe Warx. Their songs definitely got more beefy production and sound the heaviest here. Since time is limited the band wastes no time and from the first notes dives into the moshpit extravaganza. The riffs are heavy, the rhythm section beats even heavier and the vocals downright hostile. This is the band that got a lot of potential and I hope they will get the recognition they deserve. The key word here is straight edge. I know some might say these bands are little heavy-handed or judgmental and I can agree that preachiness in hardcore can sometimes be off-putting, but in my opinion they manage to find a right balance. Every band here sounds aggressive without being boring and honest without being pretentious. The result is EP of very honest and thrilling hardcore that busts ahead and takes your attention along with it.
PS. Apart from Pledge all of these bands have released new albums in recent time so don’t forget to check them out.
Author: Dloogi
Label:Seventh Dagger
Year: 2009
Trashed: The Webcomic
Here's Trashed, the online comic from Derf, widely known for his hilarious 'The City' and 'Punk Rock and Trailer Parks' strips. This one tales the semi-autobiographical story of working at one of the most shitty jobs you can imagine, garbageman. It's funny and damn true. The author itself got a punk rock background, being in the movement in the 70'. This is nothing new really, but if you're into comic books or punk rock or got shitty job yourself you might find this interesting.
Here's the official description of the series:
The original Eisner-nominated graphic novella, a hilarious, stomach-churning memoir of the unforgettable period 19-year-old Derf spent as a garbageman in his small Ohio hometown.
Follow Derf and his partner, Mike, as they struggle with exploding garbage bags, idiot co-workers, an oppressive boss, bizarre townfolk, the weather and pile after pile of reeking, maggot-covered garbage.
In TRASHED, Derf lovingly recounts the nauseating details of the shit job that sets the standard for all shit jobs. Climb aboard the clanking garbage truck named Cyclops for a ride you won't soon forget!
Follow Derf and his partner, Mike, as they struggle with exploding garbage bags, idiot co-workers, an oppressive boss, bizarre townfolk, the weather and pile after pile of reeking, maggot-covered garbage.
In TRASHED, Derf lovingly recounts the nauseating details of the shit job that sets the standard for all shit jobs. Climb aboard the clanking garbage truck named Cyclops for a ride you won't soon forget!
Wisdom In Chains - S/T
Prior to release of the brand new album from these guys, Swellcreek/Superhero records decided it was a good time to remind the kids how it all got started. So here it is, reissue of their very first self titled album.
This baby was originally released in 2003 on Gangstyle (now GRS) label. I guess most of kids are more familiar with band’s successful releases Die Young or Class War so I think the best way to describe this debut album is to say that it is basically among the same lines as the mentioned above. All the elements they mastered to perfection on their later albums are here. So if you haven’t heard about this band yet, which is pretty hard to believe, Wisdom In Chains plays old school hardcore with fast beats, punk rock flavor and a lot of singalongs. They get right to the heart of what makes a good hardcore with strong songs that bear the right amount of melody, speed and groove. With this band there's always a huge catchy chorus to wave your fist in the air and shout along to.Comparing this album to their later ones it’s interesting to hear the natural progression of a band. Their ability to write better, more consistent and detailed song have grown with each release. Even if it’s not as varied as on their next albums, it’s still a pretty damn good listen and these songs haven’t really aged that much. They keep their compositions pretty versatile and dynamic all the way but without losing the aggressive edge.
Author: Dloogi
Label:Swell Creek/Superhero
Year: 2009
Two bad ass animations from Diluvio Gallery
This exhibition started actually in March but it's just in recent days that I came across it. These short movies were created by Niles Atallah, Joaquin Cociña and Cristóbal León. I'm no way into art but I dig some slick, dark images from time to time and this stuff is pretty disturbing.
Lucía, Luis y el lobo (Lucia, Luis and the Wolf) is a video installation in “Sala Cero” on the 2nd floor of Galería Animal (Animal Gallery) in Santiago, Chile. The exhibition is made up of the short films Lucía and Luis that are projected on a wall in the gallery as well as a series of other short animations shown on small screens in a pile of dirt and furniture. The exhibition closes the first stage of an animation project formed by Atallah, Cociña and León. The next stage will be a feature film called La casa lobo (The Wolf House), preparations for the film will start later this year.
Lucía is the 1st short video of the 2-part series “Lucía, Luis y el lobo” (”Lucía, Luis and the Wolf”). The video was shot frame by frame with a digital photo camera. Materials: charcoal, dirt, flowers, found objects and cardboard.
LUCIA from diluvio on Vimeo.
Luis is the 2nd short video of the series “Lucía, Luis y el lobo” (”Lucía, Luis and the Wolf”), it is a follow-up to the short video Lucía. The video was shot frame by frame with a digital photo camera. Materials: charcoal, dirt, flowers, found objects and cardboard.
LUIS from diluvio on Vimeo.
Click here for more info.
After the Wall Tumbled and other stories...
So the Berlin Wall has crumbled down and communism was almost defeated, but no way does it mean that the world's problems are over. Here's the selection of articles that caught my eye recenty:
After the Wall Tumbled - In 1989, Central Europe's fate was supposed to be uncertain and bleak. Today the region prospers more than ever - Slate.com
The Lessons of 1989The fall of the Berlin Wall is a reminder of the duty of solidarity. - Slate.com
Sex, Drugs and Alcohol Among World's Big Killers, WHO Says - Foxnews
More Kids = More Happiness? - doublex.com
How Superman Defeated The Ku Klux Klan - IO9.com
Wife Tries to Kill Husband Over Muslim Principles, Cops Say - Foxnews
China rescues kidnapped children - BBC
Sudan: End Rights Abuses, Repression - Human Rights Watch
Russia: Stop Collective Punishment in Chechnya - Human Rights Watch
An Uncivil Approach to Civil Society: Continuing State Curbs on Independent NGOs and Activists in Russia - Human Rights Watch
Downturn is 'climate opportunity' - BBC
Everyday Dollars - Before The Supply
Compared to a lot of stuff that is being released nowadays, Everyday Dollars opts for a more punk-edged sound with a hint of oi! now and then. The songs possess the right amount of melody, aggression and intensity. Cuts like Supply And Demand, Nothing To Happen or Now It’s Time is the essence of how hardcore should be played.
Lyrically, the vocalist Rob does drop some great and honest verses. They’ve got a down-to-earth, real-person type feel to them everybody can relate to. Apart from the music itself, the lyrical content of this album is the main element that makes me think of Warzone when I’m listening to this. In fact, Everyday Dollars is not hiding the fact that this band was a huge influence on their music when they sampled Ray’s voice on Now It’s Time, making this track a definite highlight of the album. Somehow, both in music and lyrics, this album maintain a feel of hope or optimism and kind of set me in a positive mind frame.I really fucking regret that I slept on this album for over a year. If you like straight and powerful hardcore with a melodic touch and a honest, real life message, don’t make a same mistake and grab it as soon as you can. I tried to find just anything to pick up here but failed miserably. This is the type of album that will make you mosh around your room like you were kid again. I can’t stop listening to this album, and it just keeps getting better with every spin.
Author: Dloogi
Label:Swell Creek/Superhero
Year: 2008
Unstable Foundation
"There are a lot less places to play too. Some of the show goers need to understand that fighting at shows has to stop. When we were younger and there was a fight, the older kids kicked our asses. Why? Because places get shutdown due to fights and no one gets it through their head. When there is no place to play then people will learn. "
Name: Unstable Foundation
Location: Bronx, NY
Active since: March 2009
How do you define your overall style?
Hardcore/Metal
What’s your goal with this band?
To take over the world enslaving the masses to do our evil bidding. (Just kidding) To make good music, have fun and just enjoy everything.
What do you have recorded so far?
A 2 song demo in May 2009. We are currently in the studio recording our first release “Strength Through Determination”. It should be out late November, early December.
So, Unstable Foundation is a band formerly known as a 4 In The Chamber. What was the reason for this change? Did you guys wanted to start things from the scratch or is it basically the same band but just with a different name?
We’ve had so many lineup changes and musical direction changes in the past. So, it seemed like the right thing to do. Revolving members that had other goals in mind or people that were unprofessional. We did start from scratch though; Unstable Foundation has all brand new songs. This is a brand new band featuring members of 4ITC.
What is in your opinion the biggest difference between 4ITC and Unstable Foundation? What do you think the kids who were down for 4ITC would like about the new music and what could surprise them?
The music is different because we try things in Unstable Foundation that we didn’t try in 4ITC, but we still stay true to speed songs, breakdowns and sing along lyrics. The music is a little more complicated, but then it’s also more stripped down. We think if you like 4ITC you will love Unstable Foundation. We have been told by friends that loved 4ITC that they like U.F. better, so we are going to roll with that one.
Do you guys still play older 4ITC songs at the shows? We did in the beginning, but now we don’t. We decided to let 4ITC be 4ITC and even though the bands are linked by members and the name “Unstable Foundation” being the title of 4ITC’s first release, those are the only thing that the bands share.
How come 4ITC’s line up have changed so often with only Frankie being around from the start? Well Frankie and Dave are original members of 4ITC. Frankie left in 2001 and started a new project with Frank our drummer. He returned in 2004 and shortly after Frank came on board to play drums. There have been many members because of unprofessional people. Some members did it for certain tours, like Europe and Puerto Rico and others wound flake out after a while. We never stood for anyone’s crap. So, when someone flaked, they were out. We won’t say Frankie is not a pain in the ass, but we accept him for what he is.
It has its limits. lol Thanks to sites like East Coast Hardcore, Myspace, and people like you guys. It makes life a little easier. As far as advice, we would just say, play your heart out, don’t try to do too much, if someone can’t pull their weight in the band, kick them out and find a good fit, take your time with your music writing, your recordings and just be yourself. Going to shows and supporting other bands is a good way to get people to see you, but some bands like when people come to see them and don’t go to see others. In other words, “no one is a rockstar in the hardcore scene” if you think you are, dress trendy and play nu-metal.
You did 2 pretty nice videos with the 4ITC. Is it hard to get the airplay with this kind of music in the States?
Well airplay is really not an existent thing in NYC or actually in the U.S.. Stations like MTV and Fuse won’t play our videos. We made them more for the Myspace and Youtube crowd. We got a ton of hits on them. It’s a good way for people not from our area to see what the band looks like live and stuff.
Almost 15 years in the game, how has the hardcore scene changed in your eyes? Do you think it’s in a good place today?
The scene is nothing like it was 15 years ago. A lot less people go to shows (Especially in NYC). There are a lot less places to play too. Some of the show goers need to understand that fighting at shows has to stop. When we were younger and there was a fight, the older kids kicked our asses. Why? Because places get shutdown due to fights and no one gets it through their head. When there is no place to play then people will learn. I think the scene also differs in the bands sounds. A lot of bands just incoherently scream, not on time, not with the music and sounds like noise. Just because you have a strong voice it doesn’t make you a singer. If that was the case, Frankie’s mother would have been singing hardcore years ago, She yelled all the time when we were kids. Honestly though, the scene goes in cycles, we have good years and bad years, just like marriages. We are on a low the last few years, so any year it’s coming back.
And how do you feel about what’s going on in Bronx nowadays? Few years back bands like Irate or District 9 were holding it down for the Bronx. What are some of the younger bands from your area everybody should give a try
Well Billy Club Sandwich and Unstable Foundation are probably the only bands that are still doing a hard core style. Most bands from the Bronx are either emo or straight out metal. If you want to check out some Bronx bands, check out the Bronx Undergound. (myspace.com/bronxunderground). District 9 til this day is missed. We still see some of the guys here and there, but the Bronx isn’t like it was 15 years ago. Hopefully, we can keep it alive.
Bands to check out though: Billy Club Sandwich, Everything’s Ruined, The Judas Syndrome (ex Irate), Diary of Demise, Waist Deep In Flesh, Demized, Hope It Dies, Catalyst of Thought, Severed, Old Yorke, Empires Erased.
So, when can we expect the debut full length from Unstable Foundation and what are band’s other plans for the future?
Strength Through Determination - Late November. Early December 2009. We are recording with engineer Max Velez at Hollow Studios in Pomona, NY. Max and Frankie are producing it. So far it’s coming out fantastic. Production wise it will sound better then anything 4ITC ever released. When it’s done we are going to hit up some labels we know and see if anyone is interested in releasing it and hopefully a Europe tour next summer.
Thank you for the interview. Anything you would like to add?
Thanks for this chance to interview with you guys. We have lost touch with the promoters that we knew back in the day over in Europe and would like to come over and play next summer. So if anyone books bands, we would love to get in touch with them and make it happen. Check us out at myspace.com/unstablefoundation or email unstablefoundation@myspace.com We have songs, merch, news, shows and just friend up with us and give us love!!
New Daily Riot tees and hoodies
German Daily Riot have just released their new shirts and hoodies and if you haven't noticed yet, they've got new album released this year. It's called "Fight Everything" so go to their myspace profile and check out couple of songs from this record.
Here are the designs:
