TFS/Urban Blight/Keep It Up/Eating Glass

I was really excited to get to see The First Step again. This band has become one of my favorite, especially after the release of What We Know. Of course TFS were the highlight of the show but i was interested in seeing the other bands. One is newly formed and the other two rarely play shows.

Eating Glass opened up, they play really fast, pissed off thrashy hardcore. Think Infest or more recently Ceremony or even ATS. I think they only had one song more than 30 seconds and it was because the intro and the outro were longer than usual. I thought they were good for just starting out, they have a ton of potential. I hope they live up to it, Toronto needs a band like this. www.myspace.com/eatingglasshc

Next Keep It Up played. If you've heard the Generations comp Bridge 9 put out KIU had a song on it. They play youth crew hardcore with more of a modern influence, but they still come off sounding really raw and their influences really show. The last time i saw these guys play was with TFS last July so it was nice to see them play again, i just hope they start playing more shows.

Urban Blight played next, i don't think they had played a show in more than 6 months. They weren't overly tight musically but they were good enough given the circumstances. This band is a lot of fun, i think I'd really be into them if they played more shows. Quit Harshin' My Buzz is a great song Check it out: www.myspace.com/urbanblight

TFS were up next. They opened with Something Inside and got kids moshing and singing along, including myself. I suck at moshing so i basically just run across the floor looking like an idiot if I'm not singing along. The only bummer was no stage = no stage dives, but otherwise the venue has been really good since re-opening for the last few shows. Stephen ( the singer) got cut above his eye during the first song, and bled on various parts of my WHITE Fired Up shirt. Haha I'll get it out somehow. They played Time To Understand, Learning, No Way To Live, The Higher Taste, When Things Fall Apart, What We Know, And The First Step. They played a new song called Connection which sounded really good. And probably a couple more I'm forgetting. I can't really pick out a highlight of the set, every song was good, Stephen had a lot of positive meaningful things to say in between songs and the vibe of the show as a whole was really positive.

This was definitely the best show so far this year, i hope TFS come back this summer or something because it'll be hard to beat a show with them on the bill. I'm sure there will be pictures posted somewhere shortly, I'll post them or link them when i see them.

Some Videos: Urban Blight: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJNinkIz8KM
TFS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZYkPmgwvFc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwZoFAzC_nI

Iron Age/Rise And Fall

Despite the fact that we are experiencing January in April and my refusal to wear a jacket to a show this show was a lot of fun.

I hadn't really heard much about Rise and Fall before this show, aside from the fact that they were from Europe and they were REALLY heavy. I enjoyed their set, i don't think I'll really get into them on record but the signer was doing some weird stuff and the band seemed like they were dead on musically. The first song the guitarist busted out this ridiculous solo that left me wanting to burn my guitar. I was expecting him to put my abilities to shame some more, but that was it, no more eye watering riffs. I was a little disappointed with that but all in all i appreciated the energy and intensity the band brought.

I think Iron Age are one of the more talented bands in hardcore. I'm usually not big on the crushing NYHC style they play but this band is an exception. They got kids moshing, circle pitting and signing along, i was able to sing along for a few songs, the few that I've taken the time to sit down and really get a grasp on. Their lead guitarist is a seriously talented dude, if you've listened to this band much you know what I'm talking about, almost every song has a riff that I'll probably never be able to do. I was happy with the response the kids in attendance gave the band they definitely deserve it and it was nice to see everyone appreciated what they were doing.

Local band The Kill Decibel opened the show, i got there just as they ended. Hatred Surge played after them, i didn't like them. Calculated noise. And the infamous Fucked Up finished the night, i didn't stay for them, I've never really been able to get into them. Their live shows are great but i can't get into them on record.

Check out some pictures @ www.formertransformer.com

Seoul City Straight Edge

I got The Geeks "Everytime We Fall" in the mail today. Luckily I've had it in mp3 format for a few weeks now. In My opinion this record surpasses their previous stuff by miles. The music hasn't changed much but the vocals are much improved, a much more fluid delivery and they seem to fit with the songwriting a little better. I'm really digging this right now, i need to see this band next time they come to North America.

I did the pre-order with Get Outta Town Records and the vinyl looks rad, i think this pressing was limited to 100.


"Open Your Eyes" is probably my favorite song on the record, along with the title track.

Open Your Eyes

All i see is mindless determinations

The absence of thinking, we are not learning to grow

we are forced to believe in false ideals

Pursuing lives to get ahead is what we have learned

Are we making progress or just wasting our time?

What we were taught is blinding our sights

We are meant to live for so much more

Too blind to see what's real

Live for what's in store

Open Your Eyes

Get Me Out!

This is what i do when I'm supposed to be listening to my violent accented Eastern European computers and society professor. And given the absurdity of my last post i figured i needed to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

Were we all born without a chance?

Into a world that won't give an inch

No matter how hard we push

The harder it pushes back

How are supposed to live?

When all we do is give

Give in and give up

Give our time, punch the clock

All for a world that doesn't give a fuck

Physical Fatness

If you've ever been out in public anytime in the last 20 years you've probably noticed an absurd amount of obese people. I'm not quite sure why this is, of course consumer culture encourages people to eat slabs of fat and people are overly lazy. Because of technology and our fascination with instant gratification we don't need to be as physically active, and why would we be? I mean we won't see any result for at least a few weeks.

Conclusion. Obesity is a physical disease that only exists to the extremities that it does because the society that festers its existence is also diseased. And it permeates every facet of every part of life. Just like an alcoholic, heroin junkie, or an anorexic, obesity is a disease. When i say obese i don't mean just mildy overweight people, i mean people that can't walk 10 steps without their heart exploding.

Like This:


I took this article from the Toronto Star, it's what inspired me to rant like i just did.

The childhood obesity "epidemic" is so disturbing that today’s children will become the first generation in some time to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents, a new report says.
Entitled Healthy Weight for Healthy Kids, the report was issued by the Commons health committee today.
The committee said it "shares the fears of many experts who predict that today’s children will be the first generation for some time to have poorer health outcomes and a shorter life expectancy than their parents.
The committee noted that Canada has one of the worst rates of childhood obesity in the developed world.
Weight problems can bring on Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, joint problems and mental health issues.
Recent data indicate that 26 per cent of Canadians aged 2-17 are overweight or obese, up from 15 per cent in 1978.
The committee heard that children continue to consume too many calories in fatty and processed foods and in sugary drinks.
The report proposed 13 recommendations, stating that to address the problem, programs that promote healthy weights for children have to be rewarding.
In addition, the committee said that interventions must take place at all levels - individual, family, community, school as well as all levels of government.
The committee also said it’s important to set specific, measurable health targets.
"The committee recognizes that childhood obesity is a complex and multi-dimensional problem that must be tackled immediately," the report said.

I was also thinking about how ugly truth can be. Truth about the world, about what we've morphed into. If truth were a person it would be a 90 year old, senile, meth addict with no arms or legs and 3rd degree burns from its head to its stumps.

Peace!

Today was the fourth anniversary of the U.S led Invasion of Iraq, as well as the fourth anniversary of the annual anti-war rallies that happen all over the world at this time.

I participated at the one in Toronto for the third straight year. there were some moving speeches given by citizens of the middle east, They brought a few war resisters from the U.S up on the stage during the rally, it was cool to see them sticking to their guns and basically giving up any normalcy they had in their lives because they believed something they were participating in was wrong. I have tons of respect for those people.

The protest also dealt with Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, and an array of other social issues that the Canadian government continues to neglect. Although its sometimes depressing to go to these rallies, i walk away with at least a sense of hope that people still care enough to do something about it.

In a city of over 5 million people only about 1000 people were at this rally, which makes me wonder if we're just so far gone that we've given up. Either that or we're to ignorant to know enough to care. Millions and millions of people have died in the name of Western imperialism yet we ignore it like it doesn't really matter how many people die, as long as we can still drive our BMW's and live in posh neighborhood's with guarded entrances. Just enough so we remain to numb to the realities of what has created the great wealth we enjoy.

Reading Howard Zinn today i was reminded that every great empire will fall, mostly due to their unsatisfiable lust for power and wealth. It's just amazing the lengths that governments go to in order to keep their head above water for just a while longer. If you think about it the U.S (and for economic purposes Canada as well) has been at war consistently since WWII, so what happens if there is no war? Is war what sustains our fragile economy?

This got out of hand a long time ago. I'll stop now, but here's a song that re-enforces some of what i was saying. I could use this entire album, but this will have to suffice.

VERSE

Start A Fire

I can't accept what's been done

I'll question the motives

Of all things under the sun

There's something wrong

When a man is kept down

By another man's hand with a gun

We need to start a fire

To act consciously

To save us from our own defeat

Because there is still a war

That we must eliminate

And save ourselves

From this unconscious state

When you just can't take anymore

And you're being kept down

START A FIRE

We've gotta cut our ties

To a life lived in denial

I wish I could strike a match

And set fire to this fucked up empire

I'll never let myself become

Just another apathetic motherfucker

Who knows what we could do

If we would only try

If we turn our heads and walk away

This fire won't survive

START A FIRE

Amibtions

Ambitions are one of my favorite new bands. From the No Limits demo to the Question EP everything this band has done has been incredibly solid. I can't wait for their new full length coming out on Bridge 9.

I got this in the mail today from Surprise Attack Records. These guys are great with sending stuff through mail. Fast/cheap shipping, well packed, and they stock a lot of rad records.

Also, i got to go to a Toronto Maple Leafs game with my dad and brother in town on Tuesday. They won and pretty much dominated the entire game. The reason it's worth cheering for this team despite how frustrating they can be to watch at times:

Enough said.

Another Breath/About To Snap/Fever Out/ In Time

This show was a matinee on a Sunday so it was a little weird, especially given the venue, but it was a really good show given the circumstances. The venue was this really small indoor skate park located in Kensington Market, which in my opinion is one of coolest neighbourhood's in the city.

In Time played first. They're a local band that got back together after a couple years with a new lineup. They played a bunch of old songs a Civ cover and one new song called Breakaway, all in all i thought they played a good set. Check out their music here. www.myspace.com/intime

Next Fever Out played, another local band, I'm not all that familiar with them and i didn't really like what i had heard prior to seeing them. I enjoyed their set though, they had a lot of energy and their lead guitarist is really talented. www.myspace.com/feverout

About To Snap played next, they play fast, thrashy hardcore punk. I don't really listen to them but i love seeing them live. Their singer is extremely comical. A few things he did that made me laugh: Jumped on a group of bored "scene kids" who were sitting on the table-top, he crawled all over them, messed their hair up and probably made them feel pretty uncomfortable. Next he grabbed a kids skateboard and road it across the floor before crashing into a group of assembled kids, in the midst of a song. And finally he made a lot of comical remarks that i can't remember but made me laugh at the time. www.myspace.com/abouttosnap

Another Breath was a lot of fun. the singer is really well spoken and sincere, he had a lot of meaningful things to say in between and during the intro of songs. It's nice to see a vocalist straying from the usual stage banter of a hardcore show. They had to cut their set a bit short because they were playing a show that night, but hopefully I'll be able to see them again on Wednesday before they leave the Province. They played Racing a Fading Image, Jailbreak, Orange, and a few others. There weren't a whole lot of kids familiar with them so there was maybe 3 or 4 of us consistently singing along, regardless the whole band had a ton of energy. In my opinion this is one of the best bands in hardcore today, Definitely check them out if they play your town.

Fired Up/At All Costs

This show was a lot of fun, it had a really positive vibe and the bands were great. It wasn't actually in a venue, it was in someones really small, really old, unfinished basement with 7ft. ceilings. The room was maybe 12 x 25 and when you factor in the presence of the furnace, water heater, and random basement garbage there was even less room. In all there was probably about 25 people there, which is about as many as there could have been.

The first band that played was Easy Days, i missed most of their set, but what i heard was really good. www.myspace.com/thoseeasydays Next At All Costs played, i was really impressed with these guys, they play youth crewish hardcore with a twist. They use a trumpet and a trombone, which i wasn't too sure about at first but once they started playing it was great. The whole band had a ton of energy, jumping around despite such a small area. They also played a GB cover, I'm sure you can guess which one. Before the song the singer encouraged everyone to mosh, just avoid breaking the water heater. Everyone moshed, sang alone and the water heater made it through. I picked up their Directions EP after the show, i haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but I've read some of the lyrics and I'm really impressed with them.

Fired Up played next, they played From The Heart, and Time Heals off of the demo and maybe one other i cant remember. They played most of the songs off of their 7". The highlight was either Dead Dreams or When The Lights Go Out. Kids sang along to every song and I'm sure some others who weren't all that familiar with this band will be singing along next time they come through. All in all this was the most fun I've had at a show since the summer, I also picked up this rad Fired Up shirt.

Inside Out

There was a huge snowstorm here today, which made my 20 minute commute into a 3 hour debacle that included waiting in a huge line up for the bus to show up, not get into that bus, waiting for the next one which doesn't take me as far as i need to go. I got on it, sat in a crowded bus moving 20km/h if it was moving at all for 90 minutes. Then had a 30 minute walk through 2 ft. deep snowdrifts and 70km winds. In skate shoes. I love this country.

During this i must have listened to Another Breath's Mill City at least three times. I've taken the time to sit down with the lyric book and actually read the lyrics lately and they're really well written. Every song has a pretty powerful message, many of them i can relate to. There's a song called Coming Home on the record that made this situation a little more bearable.

I've pretty much always had an issue with where i live, i always find a way to complain about the weather or the city, even if there isn't anything substantial to be complaining about. I know that this rampant complaining has nothing to do with my environment, it has to do with myself. It wouldn't matter where i am, I'd still feel like I'm stagnating and stuck in a rut. Anyway, this song speaks to this really well and it's helped me see this problem in a new light.

Coming Home

Everything is so empty. There's nothing here for me. This town is just a collection of dead ends and bad memories. It permeates everything I do. I was so convinced I could run away and just start again. I ran so far away but I found that nothing changed. Everywhere - the emptiness that I tried to escape. I found the same longing and desperation. I found the pain I thought that I could leave behind. See the town is not the problem. The problem lies in me and the failures and regrets that distort everything I see. I see it now so clearly in the sun that never left the home I left behind. The world is just a reflection of how I see. A projection of the ugliness and hate I live and breathe. Some things I can't outrun. Memories like asphalt never fucking change. Eyes turned blind to beauty. I cannot escape.

I'll probably post a few more songs off this record later, if you haven't taken the time to read the lyrics do so while listening along. The dude who writes this stuff is seriously talented.

I Rise!!

I've been slacking pretty hard in just about every area, including updating this thing. But more troubling is the fact that i have two huge essays due in less than 36 hours and i've only started one of them up to this point.

http://www.myspace.com/irisehc

I'm really digging this band alot. Their original which is nice to hear, they have a rad name, and for a band that just started playing have a ton of potential.

http://www.myspace.com/nothingdone

These dudes are great too. I've been listening to their song "Give It Back" continuously, there's a riff about halfway through the song thats ridiculously catchy.

So This Is Rock n Roll.... I Like It!!!!

I got this record about a month ago from Reflections Records. The artwork is some of the best I've ever seen. In my opinion this is No Turning Back's best album to date. They seem to have progressed to the point where they've found their niche. I guess you could describe their sound as a more metallic more pissed off youth crew hardcore. Aram Arslanian does guest vocals on the song "Alive or Dead" and it comes out really well, that song is one of the best on the record. The lyrics for every song are well written, honest, and in your face. Which is what I've come to expect from this band. This is a rad record and I'm glad i was able to pick up this cool looking vinyl.

Speaking of European hardcore, Apparently the new Justice record is really good. I've only heard 3 songs and I'm really liking what I've heard so far. Also, if anyone reading this knows of a band called Asptai from somewhere in Europe, i can't remember which country, let me know where i can hear more of their music. I stumbled across a few of their mp3's a couple years ago and haven't heard anything about them since.



I also got No Trigger's "Canyoneer" and this Down To Nothing 7". No Trigger plays melodic hardcore punk like Strike Anywhere or Crime In Stereo. It reminds me of some of the mid 90's Fatwreck releases, its a little more polished than i would like but its still a solid record. As for the DTN 7", i haven't even heard it yet, i can't find it anywhere on mp3 format on the Internet. I need alot more $$$, a bigger apartment, and really good speakers before i get a record player.

When The Lights Go Out

Finally, there's going to be a couple good shows in Toronto. Fired Up and Another Breath are playing shows in the first two weeks of March. Winters here are dead when it comes to just about everything, including hardcore or punk shows.

I finally received my copy of Fired Ups "When the Lights Go Out" from Youngblood Records. They also through in a copy of Lights Out "Overload" which was a nice considering how long it took. I've had the Fired Up EP in mp3 format for a while. I ordered the CD instead of the 7" because i wanted to hear the demo they did in 2005 remastered. I liked the demo a lot before i heard it remastered, having listened to it a few times now i like it even more. If i had this in my hands anytime last year it probably would have made my top 10 of 2006.

One of the most noticeable differences between the demo and the EP is the songwriting. The construction of the songs and the lyrics are a step above the EP, which is impressive considering how much i liked the demo.

Although i like all the songs off of the EP, the lyrics from "All I Could" are great.

Took the chance to go for something more

Don't want to make the same mistakes i made before

Don't want to settle for just getting by

I want to get the most out of this life

This was all i wanted to i gave it my all

Investing so much, didn't think i could fall

What went wrong? How'd things end up this way?

I'm willing to try so what does it take

Hit the ground hard, but i gotta get up

It's a tough loss to face cause i cared so much

Wondering was my best just not enough?

All i can say is i did all i could

Figure out the mistakes i made

Pick myself up for another day

Try again, its never too late

But i need to know, what does it take?

Still Desperate For Answers

I decided to change the layout of this thing, i finally figured out how to customize it and make it look a little better, so hopefully it looks okay.

I watched the movie "Children of Men" that just came out, its one of the better movies I've seen in years. The cinematography is probably the best I've ever seen and the story line and plot are really intriguing. If you haven't seen it, its set in England 20 years from now, the human race is basically falling apart because we can no longer reproduce ourselves. Women can't get pregnant. So there's a lot of war, fascist governments, and extremists trying to take back control. I won't get into the story, but watching it put me in gloomy mindset and i started thinking about our world, what its becoming and how i don't even know the half of it.

It also got me started thinking about what any progressive thinking person my age is struggling with. How long can you hold out? How long until the system that you hate so much swallows you and takes all your dreams away? And how do you avoid it, how do you turn your back on something that reaches every single aspect of your life in one way or another. It only keeps reaching further and further until it's got you in its hands.

I remeber at the GB reunion Civ said "What do you do when you grow up? When your forced into this system?.... You do what you love."

I wrote this mostly out of spite and anger, but there is hope, I'm just trying to find it.

Where It Ends

I fear nothing more than becoming oil for this machine
It eats you up, grinds your bones through the gears of progress
And spits you out a lifeless drone

You’ll comply or you’ll die, you’ll comply or you’ll die

How long can I hold out, how long until my persistence
Gives me life and I can rest my hope
In the hands that carried me this far
How long until we all wake up
Shackled to the promise of prosperity
Is this where you’ll stay, is this where you’ll waste away
Or will you hack through the bone, leave false promises behind
And find the strength inside to run away.

You’ll comply or you’ll die, you’ll comply or you’ll die

How long until I collapse, dead weight
I won’t land without the earth shaking
I won’t let you steal what little I have left

I’d rather die with dignity
Than with them pointing laughing at me
I’d rather die with all of me
Than with only broken pieces of me

Clean Living Youth, Hardcore Punk, And Social Change

I just finished reading this book last week. As far as i know its the first "academic" book ever published on straight edge. Throughout the book the author (Ross Haenfler) addresses a bunch of issues concerning straight edge including its core values and how they're interpreted, positivity, commercialization, the internet, and the involvement of women. He does all of this taking the perspective of straight edge as a social movement and a subculture that has the ability to create social change. Every chapter he interviews a bunch of edge kids and gets their opinions on the topic being addressed. The author has been straight edge since 1989 or something like that so he's able to lend his personal experience, which is really what makes this book so credible.

There's a fair amount of discussion on the issue of selling out, reading it got me thinking about why so many people, people in influential bands who inspired edge kids to keep moving forward end up selling out, sometimes not more than months after the band they were in breaks up. I think one of the reasons for this is that being in a band or being constantly associated with other edge people it becomes a lot easier to be straight edge. Once that safety net is gone, when they're not around edge people all the time or not consumed with music and touring its pretty easy to slip up, to fall back on old habits.

There isn't anything wrong with having a lot of straight edge friends, but i also think its important to separate yourself from the pack so that when push comes to shove you have a backbone that can stand up to temptation. Personally, i hardly ever associate with other straight edgers, not because i don't want to, but because i feel the scene in Toronto is too much like a high school social scene. I go to shows and enjoy the music as much as anyone else, i just have no interest or motivation to really get to know a lot of people, especially because it seems so exclusive. The edge people i do know are in the same boat as me and seem to be pretty sincere about holding onto the ideals they profess to today, tomorrow.

The bottom line to all this is you've gotta do things for yourself, who cares what the world thinks, what your friends think, or what other kids involved with hardcore think. If your doing things for yourself and no one else that's as punk as you can be and its what makes the edge special to those of us who think it can make this world a better place

In light of this i was inspired to dig up the most famous song regarding this topic and one that still says it better than anyone has since.

"Straight Edge" By Minor Threat

I'm a person just like you but i've got better things to do then sit around and fuck my head hang out with the living dead snort white shit up my nose pass out at the shows i don't even think about speed thats something i just don't need i've got the straight edge i'm a person just like you but i've got better things to do then sit around and smoke dope cause i know that i can cope laugh at the thought of eating ludes laugh at the thought of sniffing glue always gonna keep in touch never want to use a crutch i've got the straight edge i've got the straight edge

It's a Disease

I was on the bus on the way back from class today and the most putrid smelling dude got on and sat close enough to me that i was having a hard time breathing. He probably hadn't showered in weeks and cleary hadn't washed his hair in years. His hair was in this huge matted ball on the side of his head that looked pretty solid, it was bouncing up and down and slapping him on the head when he walked. I found this pretty comical, but i also felt bad for the guy. He obviously had no motivation to clean himself, which probably means he isn't motivated to do much else. Looking around and seeing what some people have been depressed to is pretty disturbing sometimes. It's product of a diseased society. It can be pretty angering if you think about the reasons some people are the way they are. The key is to use that anger to create something good, create some positive momentum.

There was a band from Toronto called "No Warning" a few years back. They released a couple really solid records before signing to a major label then breaking up not long after. They had a really crunching sound, think Guns Up only better. Guns Up were obviously hugely influenced by this band. They had really angry lyrics, almost bitter at times, that complimented the vocal delivery and the music really well. For the most part the lyrics managed to remain hopefull. Anyway, they have a song that in a way speaks to what i was saying above.

Caught in the Web

We can't win. They're everywhere. Gotta fight back. / Not on my watch, not while I'm here / I'll hold on to this while I still care / Turn away from the lies, embrace the anger / And use it as momentum to break out faster / As far as I'm concerned, this is as far as it goes / Tired. Neglectful. Here I am, here I hate, here I go / Say goodbye to the wasted time spent on other lives / That are a part of mine / It makes no sense - I wish I could stop / I've tried before - The web has me caught / Twisted minds will try to keep me off track / Shifty eyes keep watch over me and await the time for attack / Only to become what I've hated all along / What I've fought all this time / I've made my bed and it's where I lie / But I'll be damned if I'm to live this fuckin life / Your mirror shows you've changed / Look close - that's who you are / Your mirror shows you've changed / Look close - You can see your pain / I won't be a prisoner / Release myself from life's chains / What I lose in this endless fight / Somewhere else I will gain

Slamball accident

Best Of 06'

If we're just talking hardcore music, 2006 was a great year. Alot of memorable releases, GB reunion, and alot of other rad shows, and as far as im concerned there seems to be a little less skeptisism and a little more optimism in the air. Hopefully the bands that had a memorable 2006 can continue to make a positive contribution to the hardcore community in 2007.

So here's my best albums, best song, and best show of 06':

Best Albums:

1. Have Heart - The Things We Carry


- Not only is this record my favorite of this year, it probably makes my top 10 of all time, and i've only been listening to it since the summer. Have Heart are the epitome of modern hardcore, they combine everything i like about hardcore music. This record deos something that very few do, it speaks to a part of you that is hard to reach, a part that can only be reached by the most powerful and charasmatic words or actions. With The Things We Carry, Have Heart do more than make outstanding music, they connect with the listener in an intriguing way, and thats what sets them apart.

2. The First Step - What We Know


- Youth crew at its finest, couldn't ask for anything more from these guys. The thing that stands out most about this record is its sincerity. The lyrics are stripped down and straight forward so it's easy to pinpoint the message being portrayed in every song. The thing that makes this record so great for me is that i was able to see the majority of the songs played live at a show they played in July. Seeing this band pour their heart and soul out on stage was awesome and it gave me a great deal of respect and appreciation for what The First Step were able to accomplish with this record.

3. The Bouncing Souls - The Gold Record


- From the very first time i heard this record i was blown away, and every time i've heard it from then on i'm still blown away. I've always thought The Bouncing Souls were a great band, they were always just what i looked for in a punk rock band. So i had pretty high expectations for this release and those expectations were far exceeded. The Gold Record always manages to lighten my mood, its got a really feel-good vibe to it, even more so then previous releases from this band. I would recommend this record to anyone, regardless of muscial tastes. It's music that transcends genres and given enough time i think anyone would enjoy it.

4. Go It Alone/Blue Monday - Split


- Two of my favorite bands from the North West, both coming off stellar Lp's, Rewritten for Blue Monday and The Only Blood Between Us for Go It Alone. GIA's sound is pretty heavy on this split, but it's still melodic and full of energy. They cover a Reserve 34 song to finish their half of the split and do a really good job of making it their own. If GIA's next LP is anything like this stuff it'll be tops on my best of 07' list next time this year. This was also Blue Monday's last release, i was bummed out that they broke up, but it's good to know they left while they were still on top. The song Maplewood is probably second to The Everything Festival off of Rewritten as my favortie BM song. Two solid bands combine and put their best foot forward to release one of the more memorable splits over the past few years.

5. Ignite - Our Darkest Days


- All you need to know about this record is that Zoli's voice sounds as good as it ever has. Not to say that the vocals completely make this record, but they're an integral part of it and rightly so. The music is a little more on the punk side of hardcore punk, comparable to bands like Pennywise and Bad Religion. Personally, i think Ignite is a head above the rest simply because of the delivery of the vocals, not only on this record but on pretty much anything they've ever released. I'm going too thoroughly enjoy anything released by Ignite so my expectations were high for this record and i wasn't even slightly dissapointed.

6. Another Breath - Mill City


- Not Now, Not Ever was a really solid debut from this band and Mill City builds on it and then some. The heavily layered guitars, drawn-out, compassionatte growls, and often pounding mid-tempo drumming give this record a bit of a Modern Life Is War vibe. There isn't anything wrong with that and with this record Another Breath have found their niche and uncovered a uniqueness that really makes this record special. Songs like Diesel and Gunpowder, Sincerity, and Orange are my favorites and they really open up the unlimited potential this band possesses. Hopefully i can see them play a show in the new year, it's hard to really appreciate a record until you've seen pieces of it performed live.

7. Verse - From Anger And Rage


- The title of this record, From Anger And Rage says it all. This is probably the angriest release of the year, although it's not without merit. There are plenty of things to be angry about and many of those things are portrayed in the socially and politically driven lyrics that are prevelant on this record. The vocals are exceptionally passionatte and you can really tell the words being yelled come from the heart of the singer. I guess you could call the music on this record Epic, not in a traditional sense but some of the instrumental build-ups leading to the climax of some of the songs are pretty moving, and given the nature of the lyrics these moments are even more powerful.

8. Get The Most - Common Goals EP


- Straight forward youth crew hardcore from members of Go It Alone, Blue Monday, In Stride, and Ordeal. This was the description given on the bands website, when i read it i needed to hear this band. Theres really nothing that immediately stands out about this record, its just really well done, almost flawless. The songs progress nicely the vocal delivery is solid and the drumming is what carries the band. The singer from GIA plays drums for these guys and he deos an amazing job, alot of really tight fills that fit the guitar work and the rythm perfectly. The lyrics are stereotypical of the youth crew style and i wouldn't have it any other way. Nothing new is being done here, but what is being done is something i've always appreciated and something that refuses to grow old.

9. Shook Ones - Facetious Folly Feat


- Anything that reminds me of Kid Dynamites' Shorter, Faster, Louder deserves a spot on this list. It isn't quite as clean and the songwriting deosnt flow at the level Kid Dynamite was able to achieve. But, with Facetoius Folly Feat, Shook Ones have made some significant progress and maybe even seperated themselves, even just a little, from the rampant Kid Dynamite comparisons. This record just has a really enjoyable sound to it and its one that i've come to love, so for that its one of my favorite records of the year.

10. Betrayed - Substance


- I anticipated this record more than any other release slated for 2006. I'd be lying if i said i wasn't a little dissapointed. Addiction was such an amazing EP and their side of the split with Champion was really impressive. That being said i was expecting something that only comes along once every 15 years or so, something that might have kept these dudes together for a while longer. It's not that Betrayed didn't deliver, they did deliver a really solid record like only they could have. I was just expecting something unrealistic. Getting to the record itself, i enjoy most of the songs alot, Arams' lyrics are as provokative as they were before and there are some really catchy guitar riffs that help move the songs along. Although this isn't the best Betrayed could have done, when compared to most other hardcore records released this year, its still in my top ten. Being the last music anyone will hear from this band also makes it a little extra special.

Best Show: Justice, TFS, Fired Up, Keep It Up, and Gunnar Hansen in Hamilton @ The Underground.


- Probably My favorite venue with one of my favotire bands and a really good supporting cast. This show opened my eyes to Fired Up and Justice. Justice, being from Europe i hadn't heard much of them before, i was thoroughly impressed with their set. Fired Up are an up and coming youth crew band and could end up being a real force. The TFS set was the most fun i had at a show all year. Stephen, the vocalist had so much energy and a really postive message that im sure lifted the spirits of everyone in attendance. When they played Something Inside chaos ensued, bodies flying everywhere with 20 kids up front yelling every word with as much conviction as the singer himself. If TFS play within 500 km of Toronto anytime in the future i am not missing it for anything.

Best Song: Have Heart - Watch Me Rise

- I'm not even going to say anything, just go listen to the song and read the lyrics, you'll see what i'm getting at.

Honourable Mention:
Sinking Ships - Disconnecting
Lion Of Judah - Universal Peace
Fired up - When The Lights Go Out
Strike Anywhere - Dead FM
Ceremony - Violence Violence
No Turning Back - Holding On
Champion/Betrayed - Split
Dead Hearts - Bitter Verses
Outbreak - Failure
Set Your Goals - Mutiny
Down To Nothing - Higher Learning
Iron Age - Constant Struggle
Legit - In Defeat Demo
No Trigger - Canyoneer
Set It Straight - Live Your Heart And Never Follow
Triple Threat - Into The Darkness

TFS!

I learned "Something Inside" by The First Step on guitar today. It's my favorite song by TFS and one of my favorite youth crew songs of all time. I don't know why i never learned it until today, it's so much fun to play.

If my brother and i get a decent recording of this song done in the week i have left on christmas break i'll post it up here. We have no bass player so its lacking in numerous crucial areas. I also hear TFS are releasing a 7 inch sometime soon. Anyone know if there is any weight to this?

Aslo, I've been getting into these bands recently:

www.myspace.com/theoneup - dudes play great melodic hardcore. They broke up months ago, but if you want hear more theres a new band featuring One Up dudes: www.myspace.com/crumblerhc

www.myspace.com/effortsmade

www.myspace.com/instride

Raise Your Flag To The Wolves?

Final Fight is a band that i really enjoy musically, for the most part. Sometimes i find they get overly melodic and it can take away from the intensity of the music. But overall i dig their brand of melodic hardcore.



I've always found this band intriguing, from the stories i've heard about them to the weird designs and concepts they use on some of their merch. Lyrically its hard to tell what perspective the singer is writing from. He writes intelligent, thought provoking lyrics but they seem to be pretty abstract and more diversified than most other hardcore bands.

I've been listening to thier split with Life Long Tragedy recently released on Deathwish. I can't figure out what the singer is trying to get at with these lyrics. He's obviously referencing the effects of intoxicants in one way or another. I've read this a few times now, these two quotes stick out. "raise your flag to the wolves" and "seek comfort in your den" i don't know what they mean and im probably over analyzing this.

Rage

Friday night, this is the party night! Such the perfect night, to stay separated from our minds Ten yards away is the drunken clamor, of pacified suburbanites (Bottles clanking, fives slapping, senses numbing) Josh is above the disconnect, and privilege that plague our times That plague our times Raise your flag to the wolves A fire in celebration to him and in rage For all the people swallowed whole and ignored Tagged "scary" by precious daddy's girls Left in fields to crack in the sun Like a wolf of neglect, seek comfort within your den

What Is Freedom?

I've been writing an absurd amount lately, none of it really makes sense. I took some of the more cohesive parts of probably 5 or 6 pages of writing and tried to make them into something. I read an essay by some dude named Emerson for my philosophy course. He talked about a struggle against conformity and consistency as something that is necessary to be free. I tried to write this to come across as saying I'd rather live a struggle than be dead inside.

I looked you in the eyes and felt so alone
You left me to struggle on my own
I know the only ones who can see this through
Are the ones who believe in not settling for second best

Second best is all you’ll ever be
If you’ve taught me one thing
It’s that in order to fit into this world
You have to give your life away
Tie your lifeless body and let the vultures pick at the decay
Now I’m glad that I cant’ see your face
Cus I refuse to sell myself short
Assimilate, conform and waste away

If I can’t stand up under the weight of these burdens, if I don’t struggle
I’ll end up just like them
Like the ones who came before me
Who gave in and didn’t second guess
The ones who couldn’t teach me
Because they didn’t know themselves
The ones that I refuse to follow
Cus I’m sick and tired of letting aspirations fade into tomorrow

To the ones who won’t conform
To the ones who wont give in
Don’t let this world bring you down

Cus I don’t want to have to look you in the eyes one day
And see that you no longer hope because your soul has decayed
I don’t wanna have to be the one to say
“Your time has come, turn around and walk away”

Modern Life Is War/Blacklisted/Some Girls/Converge In Buffalo

This show was alot of fun i went down to Buffalo with a guy named Peter, whom i hadn't met before this trip. We both wanted to go to the show and had no one to go with so we decided to rent a car and go down together. Buffalo is a sketchy place. Border security was really funny, on the way into the states the guy asked us a ton of question, searched the trunk, wore a bullet proof vest, and seem paranoid beyond control. Getting back into to Canada was hilarious, the dude looked at our I.D's for maybe a couple seconds each and then looked at us and said "have a good night" and let us through. He really didn't care.

Anyway we got to the venue, in an older area of town, pretty run down but the venue was reasonable. First thing i did was check out the merch, i got a Blacklisted T - shirt with a guy hanging from a noose on it, it looks cool. Then i picked up MLIW's Wintess on clear purple vinyl, its a new colour they just got on the tour. And finally i picked up a MLIW hoodie for my friend Etienne who couldnt make the show.

First up we're Blacklisted, i really dig this band on record, they played ok but were sloppy at times and the singer seemed disinterested. Maybe becuase it was nearing the end of the tour, but i still expected to see more energy. Overall they had some good parts, played the songs i wanted to see, so im not upset.

Then MLIW came up, pretty much the only reason i came for this show. Jeff had alot of energy as always, they played all the songs i wanted to hear aside from "By the Sea". Highlight was probably kids losing it when the played "D.E.A.D Ramones". There were bodies flying everywhere. Also when they finished with "First and Ellen" it was amazing the last minute of that song makes everyone go insane. The dissapointment was the crowd only responding to certain songs, there was a good amount of kids into every song but it seemed like the crowd only really got moving when they played their more well known songs. I think the last song Off of Witness (hair raising accouts) is amazing, especially the last two minutes, its sort of similar to "First and Ellen" in that way. Anyway i lost it when Jeff screamed "what will you do when the war is all around" no many others did, so that sucked. Overall though it was alot of fun, one of the better times i have seen them play.

Some Girls played next. Didn't like them. Wes from AN/GUTG is super weird now, the dude is on some powerful drugs im guessing. Their last song the frohawked bass player played another set of drums. and proceeded to play the same pattern for at least 5 or 6 minutes while the bass player yelled"hey" into the mic constantly and Wes just stood their glaring at the crowd until he decided to get a bass drum of his own and start beating it. Really weird and almost certainly drug induced.

Converge was up next. I'm not really into Hardcore that is that metallic. But i enjoyed their set. they had alot of energy and really got the crown into it, so that was good to see. Much respect to those guys their very good at what they do and Jacob Bannon seems like a really stand up guy, besides being an amazing artist.

I'll Post pictures later if i can find them.

We've Been BETRAYED!

From what i've seen Aram is one of the most stand-up dudes in hardcore, everytime ive seen him perform live, whether it be with champion, betrayed, or the first step he always has so much energy. It was nice to see him front betrayed, he always had something promising to say in between songs or whenever he had that chance.

here are some videos of Betrayed last weekend of shows with TFS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krr1klQGKOw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wchPrGQov1U (this one is amazing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh_h70L9gLM (so is this one)
The First Step
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7ZOe4HNQF8

West Coast Love

The new Shook Ones record is amazing, if you like Kid Dynamite, Lifetime, or hardcore punk in general you'll like this. The vocals are so raw, in my opinion there some of the best vocals in hardcore. www.myspace.com/shookones




Set It Straight is a band i couldn't get into, the vocals seemed constrained and the music was mediocore. They released a new album recently, i was a little hesitant to check it out, but i did and i was really impressed. The whole Northern California scene has been producing some great bands lately. Like Allegiance and Killing The Dream, whose vocalists both make guest appearances on this record. www.myspace.com/setitstraight



Theres been alot of really good stuff coming from the west coast in general lately. Most notably for me is Go It Alone, this is one reason why:

Go It Alone - Inheritance

In generation after generation the seeds of submission find fertile soil. They poison us with pride while the truth remains behind locked doors, sequestered in the minds of those who have been ignored, silenced, and pushed aside. The voice of truth is hushed before it reaches our ears so we inherit the lie. For generation after generation whitewashed "facts" masquerade as reality. Can you smell the bullshit? It lingers in history texts on highschool desks and on our leader's breath. Pushed aside, neatly swept under the rug. The voice of truth is hushed before it reaches our ears so we inherit the lie. This is our inheritance. Keep puffing your chest. Keep bursting with pride. Keep waving your flags. Keep closing your eyes. Close your eyes

If you havent heard this band, check them out: www.myspace.com/goitalonehc

Fakes Like You.....

Modern Life Is War - Fakes Like You (Make Me Sick)

This is a lesson in letting your guard down. Sometimes open arms are an invitation for disaster. So next time, I’ll trust my fucking instincts. next time you come around, all you will get are cold stares & cold shoulders. I’ll be crouching with my fists clenched in the corner. I can only hang on so tight for so long. I’m letting you go. I will be just fine on my own. You can’t come in. I’m leaving you out in the cold because there’s no room left in my heart for fakes like you.

I think this is the first Modern Life Is War song i heard. The lyrics are great, i'm sure most people can relate to them in one way or another. It's true though, some people never learn. They stay the same and no matter how many times you open up, no matter how much you care, they'll always be fake. It hurts to see but you have to let go and the next time they come around trust your instincts.

Solitude

"What can we do when the war is all around? The veins are constricting. The pressure is coming down." - Modern Life Is War

This band is pretty inspiring, you can take one line and it can mean so much. This is how i would answer the question posed above.

Walk into the storm

Walk into the rage

Walk alone and free of pain

Turn your back on the world

It's fighting to keep you dead inside

The thing that scares them most

Is your will to be alive

It seems everytime you try

You fall just short

Of taking a breath

That deosn't eat away at your soul

Walk away

Without hate, without fear

Walk away and the shame will dissapear

Take comfort in being alone

Becuase it's the only way that you can tuly live

The only way that you can give

Back to a world

That tried to take it all away

Walk with a clear mind and open ears

Walk with eyes that see the truth

And a heart that beats to its own rythm

A heart that's no longer subject to abuse.

Overcome the only thing that scares you

So the next time you try

You'll breathe a breath of defiance

And you'll know what it feels like to be alive.

Think What You Will

“No Faith”

I look up to the sky and see
The walls of this world falling down around me
And you’re still picking up the pieces
Rebuilding the same structure
Because you think we need it

We have no faith in anything that you’ve created
No faith that this city skyline won’t collapse
That the system you worship
Won’t turn and stab you in the back
We have no faith in your pretty smile
Because behind those lines the wasteland runs for miles

We don’t need your empty promises
We don’t need the problems you left for dead
We don’t need the schizophrenic tendencies
That run rampant inside your head

We need the hope that you’ve forgotten
Stop trying to save a society that’s spent to long rotting
Because all we need is what we have inside
Stop looking behind us so we can strengthen our minds
And if we let them run free they'll break the chains
That held us captive from the inside

NO FAITH
But there are things that we’ll create
That will take hold and shape
The way we live our lives and help us to finally escape.
NO FAITH

More Zinn

I came across this interview with Howard Zinn. I found it really interesting. www.alternet.org/story/43138/

The new Shook Ones leaked so i've been listening to it non-stop the whole week. Take everything Dan Yemin has been involved with and put it together and you have Shook Ones, it's amazing. Daggermouth is tommorow thats gonna be rad, its a weird venue, some goth club or something.

School is terrible when you have to take "general education" classes that are pointless, yet the proffesors find a way to make them painfully boring and difficult.

Art of Life

I've been reading Howard Zinn Lately. He has a relatively new book out called "Original Zinn" It's a bunch of interviews he did with a guy named David Barsamian. Noam Chomsky has one out in that same format. They're both really interesting. I've been cluttering my mind with so much literature lately, between school and what i read for "fun" it seems like im always reading. I need to go to another show. Propagandhi is on the 25th, Daggermouth is the 20th and i got tickets for night one of the F*cked Up fest as its called, with Righteous Jams, Mind Eraser, and of course the infamous "Hidden World." I Finally got pictures from the Strike Anywhere, Ignite, MLIW show i saw a month ago. There aren't any photos of MLIW becuase kids in Toronto would'nt know innovative, creative and passionatte hardore music if it slapped them in the face. And it has slapped them in the face, numerous times, they just stand their like nothing happened, in a state of shock. I think most of them are robots who only respond to one-chord, monotonous breakdowns and then proceed to "ninja dance" as a result.

I only see myself in one of these pictures, i don't know which song this is from but some lame kid beside me is throwing up the horns, which sucks. i hate it when kids do that.

Urgency

I've been reading a really good book lately. Dealing with issues of the heart. While i was reading tonight something hit me and i felt inspired to write something, i would like it to be a song, but we'll see. I've been listening to alot of have heart lately so i guess you could say the overall attitude of the song is have heart inspired aswell as being inspired by the book im reading.

"Strength"

I need the strength to resist
Everything inside of me
That will try and bring me down
I need the strength to break myself apart
And expose every scar and every seething wound
That has been buried deep inside my heart

I’m screaming out, I’m asking myself
And anyone who will listen
Where do I find my strength?

I have been stabbing myself in the back for too long
I’ve been spitting lies about my life, about my heart
For too long!

And now the time has come to swallow all of my pride
To lay to rest
Everything Inside of me that strives to fit into this world

I’ve realized true strength
Comes from the truth inside of my heart
I needed to see myself for who I really am
And not for what this world would have me think I am

I’m learning what it feels like to be free
What it means to hear the voice of truth inside of me
Screaming “I’m taking back control, I’m taking back control”

"I Can Read The Pain In Your Eyes"

I learned "Picking Up The Pieces" by Go It Alone on the guitar the last couple days, i dont think ive ever been this stoked on learning one song. i had been listening to it for probably close to 18 months and i love the guitar in it, its fairly simple, but its the little things that count. If you've heard this song you know what im talking about, if you haven't you should really go check out Go It Alone's Vancouver Gold E.P. Take the innovation of Reserve 34 and add more intensity and really raw heartfelt vocals. And if you havent heard Reserve 34 do so, it's worth it.

I've been really getting into the Allegiance full length "Overlooked" it was released last summer on Rivalry i think. This song is one of my favorite off of that album, i can really relate to it

"Don't Tell Me"

I never thought it would've been you - Standing out in the cold - Just to get away from yourself - Hide the truth behind a lying smile - Remember when you were fucking strong? - You'll live to see another day - And outstretched arm and I'll grab hold - Seems like every time I get close - You shut your eyes - And back away - I know you better than this - I scream do not let it back in - Don't tell me you're fine - I can read the pain in your eyes

Strike Anywhere/Ignite/Modern Life Is War

This show was alot of fun, The crowd was a little weak for Modern Life Is War, which was dissapointing. I thought i was going to miss them since they were opening and we were running late. i was having a bit of a hard time coming to terms with that fact, but we ended up making it on time and my rampant worrying was all for nothing. There was only like 5 or 6 kids really into them which sucked, and then they blew an amp during the intro for "By The Sea" their second last song, so they stopped. It sucked but it was nice to see them again their music means alot to me.

A Global Threat played next, i'm not really into them so we didn't stay for their set. Then came Ignite, They were amazing, Zoli's voice is beyond impressive. I think "Who Sold Out Now" was my favorite song they played, i love the chorus. Their was alot of energy throughout the set, a constant circle pit which you dont see all that often, there was an inordinant amount of street punk kids there. I don't remember them being so violent.

Strike Anywhere were flawless like they always are. They played a nice mix of old and new stuff. During "Sunset on 32nd" They told everyone to get on stage. Maybe 30 people made it up, it was awesome, im sure their will be pictures it was probably quite the scene. I always enjoy seeing Strike Anywhere Thomas is so sincere and you can tell hes giving it all he has.

On a side note Sarah bought a Ignite hoodie she's never gonna hear the end of, and that is probably going to be the last show even remotely associated with hardcore music she ever geos to. it's a tragedy.

Restless Nights.

I was in British Colombia this past week, Vancouver and Victoria are both beautiful cities. I wanted to catch a show while i was in Vancouver but i didnt stay long enough. I wanted to stay until tomorrow, Blue Monday's final show with Betrayed, The First Step, and Allegiance. That would have been awesome.

I found some pictures from the Gorillia Biscuits/Comeback Kid show i was at a few weeks ago.

I think this was during "Changing Face" thats one of my favorite songs by Comeback Kid, you should be able to tell by my expression.

Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot ... i wish i was cool enough to attend that.

www.alternet.org/story/40344/
This is ridiculous. It's a little un-nerving to know that people like this exist all over the world. Maybe they exist more densley in area's such as the area the cotenxt of the article is based on. but still, i mean its a gun. It's sole purpose is to violently tear through human flesh with the intent of killing or severly injuring the individual lucky enough to be shot with one. Maybe its just a cultural thing. I just think guns are useless, but then again if i lived in a constant state of fear and accepted a government that whole heartedly embraces and exprots violence to all corners of the world, maybe i would be a little "gun crazy" too. Alot more can be said on this issue, but i think the article deos fair enough justice.

Gorillia Biscuits/Comeback Kid

This show was rad. The stage was at least four feet high making for some insane stage diving. Kids were clearing what looked like ten feet off the stage and landing in the middle of nowhere. I really enjoyed CBK's set Andrew is really doing a good job taking over vocals. I lost it when they played "False Idols" musically it probably isn't their best song but the lyrics hit home with me more than any other songs they play live. As for GB they were amazing i stood back and watched everything it was cool to see how much those guys mean to people, seeing them live helped me understand the true impact they had and continue to have on hardcore punk music. My favorite song by them was definately "Start Today" it's been my favorite GB song since i started listening to them so it was nice to see them perform it live.

Im missing some really good shows this month Iron Age and Spanish Bombs tonight, and then im missing Go It Alone on the 24th which sucks i've been looking forward to seeing them as long as they've been around.

Unbreakable

21.. i feel so old.. haha. my birthday was last sunday. Everyone keeps asking me how it feels to be 21. It feels good knowing i have my whole life ahead of me. I feel optimisitc but at the same time i'm my own harshest critic so im not taking anything for granted. its frustrating seeing people wasting their lives away on nothing, especially those closest to you. Being so young and having all the opportunity i could ask for it would be ignorant and selfish of me not to reach for the sky. I think its more a matter of finding who you really are and finding your passion, something that drives you like nothing else can. For me it's music and a desire to see the world change. those two things are so often intertwined that it becomes sort of cliche. But i still think that there are few things more powerful than music with a compelling message. In light of that, i got a preview of the new Have Heart "The Things We Carry" One of the songs is titled "The Unbreakable" and it's amazing:

He was a kind hearted man in a hateful world. And he caught everything that life ever hurled. Like the oldest mountain he always stood so tall. Forever showing what it means to be unbreakable. Paycheck to paycheck, three jobs a day. He's the ransom for his family's pain. In the coldest world with the warmest heart. He puts to shame what you consider hard. He's the man that you don't see in the mirror. While the world was screaming death, he chose a different song to hear. He's the band that's playing while the ship sinks. The song of hope forever sings. He taught the sun to shine. Now please teach this son to shine. How can this world never break your warm heart in this frigid fucking place? You're like the river: always flowing and growing, never changing, rearranging. How can this world never take your solid stance in these turbulent times? You're like the tree in the burning forest that never was burned down. And what he said to me was this:"Just love the world that won't love you back" Old man take a look at my life, I'm nothing like you are. Take a look at my life, I'm so very fucking far. From the person I aspire to be. Unbreakable.

The First Step/Fired Up/Keep It Up

I had alot of fun at this show. The First Step played an amazing set. It was nice to be in a room with people who truly know what hardcore is about and what its purpose is. It was relieving not having to deal with kids spinkicking and windmilling. It sucks always looking over your shoulder hoping your not going to get knocked out by some dude flaling his arms or legs. Anyway, The First Step really inspired me with the message, energy, and passion they brought. In a sense its renewed my faith in hardcore. Old school mosh rules. I cut my leg moshing; when i left the venue i looked down and theres blood running down my leg, i was pretty proud of it. Fired Up played a good set, im not all that familiar with them so i didn't get to involved, the same geos for Keep It Up.

This was my favorite song of the night. I lost it when they played this song, the lyrics realy resonate with me.

The First Step

"As It Is"

As It IsYES! I still believe but what do these words have to do with me. Are we all mute? Can't we speak and express the ideas we really think. I want your voice out of my head, I can't believe the words you said. All this great music with no message what is the point? Others MAY HOLD BACK, but I will speak my mind AS IT IS! The words I heard inspired me to look at myself and the world around me. I know what I believe I know what I think. I don't want this scene but I won't watch it sink. If we can help each other believe that life is worth living that is enough for me. A community that can do so much more than shout out slogans and hit the dance floor. Others MAY HOLD BACK, but I will speak my mind AS IT IS! I have faith in the words we said but it's useless man if we don't use our heads. Screaming at the top of my lungs you may think the core is over but it's just begun. So many people looking for green. They will curse and scream and just use the scene. It may hurt our name and you can win but you'll get out what you put in. Others MAY HOLD BACK, but I will speak my mind AS IT IS!

The Cost of Slavery

I have to go to some island on Georgian Bay to work the rest of the week. we have to stay at some rich dudes cottage. im gonna lose it.

Blacklisted called it quits a little while ago.. they had amzing lyrics.

Blacklisted

"I Refuse"

My mask is slowly fading, I'm quietly coming into my own. Time can be, can be so draining, like a cut that won't heal and goes straight to the bone. I refuse, To stand by, I refuse to close my eyes. Just because we're breathing doesn't mean we're alive, the beat goes on long after we're gone, what will they say after you die, moving along slowly moving along I'm moving towards, Nothing, Screaming out screaming so loud I'm screaming for, Nothing. Everything I want to say, buried deep inside of me, Everything that I say came back to me the wrong way, it's hard but I still have to try, to leave something behind, I refuse to stand by, I refuse to close my eeys. I refuse. I need to be moving towards, something, I need to be screaming for, Something, I need to be more understanding, I need to do more than standing, I can't, I can't let life pass me by.

Wasted On Nothing.

My boss is testing my nerves. It Deosn't seem like he has any morals or values. Sometimes i feel like telling him how i realy feel, I'd get fired so i don't. I wrote a little piece about how i see his situation and alot of other "business people." I guess its how i see the North American capitalist mindset. i could go on for days about this. i'll just post what i wrote out of frustration.

"Wasted"

What will you do when your life is at its end?
When everything that you have ever known is being ripped from your hands?
Would you still have the things that matter?
Or did you sell yourself out long ago?

Your integrity, your dignity, a fire that burns inside your heart
Its things like these that will stay with you forever
I don’t think you even know where to start

Your money, your material will fade away right before your eyes
And still you’re wasting your life away
Chasing dreams that fall short of reaching for the sky

DON’T FADE AWAY
Your life will let you down, looking back twenty years from now
DON’T FADE AWAY
Can’t you see there’s more; the truth is knocking at your door
So DON’T FADE AWAY
For the sake of you and for those around, for a world that’s desperate for the truth
And for those that you have helped destroy
I hope you SEE THIS THROUGH

For All The Unheard

The new Bouncing Souls record is amazing, i think it's thier best release to date. I've been listening to it non-stop since i picked it up last week. It has a really strong feel-good vibe to it. I can listen to it after I've had a bad day at work or something and completely forget about everything. So... if you like the souls, or punk or hardcore music in general, go pick up The Bouncing Souls - The Gold Record.

Life Long Tragedy is a rad band as well, they've got a pretty brutal sound, it works well for them. This summer has alot of new releases from bands im pretty high on: Verse, Sinking Ships, Have Heart, Betrayed, Ruiner, and Another Breath to name a few.

Since i'm seeing Bane in Erie next Saturday i figured i'd post some lyrics from one of my favorite Bane songs

"Release The Hounds"

all swelled with pride, your chest blown out face the flag as you declare "we are the greatest country in the world richest, smartest, most advanced... who can keep up with us?" and where has it gotten us? take a look around as miserable as we have ever been violent, mean , pulling our hair out as fourteen year olds march through metal detectors bitter unhealthy, empty most dissatisfied of societies my grand dad weeps for the simple days everything that you could ever dream of five minutes from our fingertips prettied, processed, packaged, shipped right to your door we need everything in every color to feel that we're alive we've got to brag to all the world about all our toys just like when we were five i hear you chant "everything is alright, it's gonna be alright" as you rush to your night job everthing is gonna be alright knuckles white as you grip your purse you scream that things could not be better as the flames lick at your face and i'm as fucked as anybody the bright lights catch my eyes i'm as scared as anyone the blood rains from the sky we can't tell what we want from what we need or which one matters more it's all a spinning mobile it's all a catchy lullaby everthing is gonna be alright so suck your thumb

Enough Of This

I'm starting to understand my current situation better, so i wrote something about it, i dont know if it will become a song or not. It makes alot of sense to me, i dont know if it will to anyone else.

"Enough of This"

I feel like I’m about to snap
The life I’m leading is going nowhere I can’t see
Spinning and spinning until I break apart and become SOMETHING NEW

And these days, they look so grim
My destination is somewhere in the sky, but the clouds always linger over my head
I climb higher and higher waiting to fall and become SOMETHING NEW

But these days are growing me up, from the inside out
I’ll bend, but I won’t break, you can shake me, but you won't break me
I’ll push ahead, with the wind in my face
And at a slow and steady pace I’ll become SOMETHING NEW

I know that we all face days like these
So keep your head held high and your eyes focused on the sky
Tell yourself you’ve had ENOUGH OF THIS

And you’re striving for more than you could ever hope for

This life is full of ups and downs
Persevere through the hard times, build unbreakable character and will
And you will become more than you could ever have hoped for.

Tell yourself you've had ENOUGH OF THIS

Fight The Pain

I was in a bit of disgruntled mood today, for whateve reason. So i decided to sit down and write a song. Just let out whatever was on my heart. I just wrote it a few hours ago, so far i've written the music for the first verse. It sounds good. It's tentatively titled " Fight The Pain" and im sure i'll make some modifications as i write the rest of the music for it.

Do you ever feel like running away from everything that you’ve ever known?
Turning your back on everyone that has ever cared for you?
Because sometimes it feels like it’s easier to just duck and hide
To choose to ignore your regrets and all the mistakes that you cannot forgive

When all is said and done the ones who choose to run are the ones who DIE IN VAIN
And those who stand and FIGHT THE PAIN, the ones willing to RE-ARRANGE
Are the ones who will be set FREE

From this life of captivity that so many of us lead
Left in the dark without a hope
The burdens of so many years are weighing on our hearts and minds
And the longer we push it away, the tighter the noose becomes around our necks

So stand up and FIGHT THE PAIN
Believe in what’s inside your heart
Even if it’s so bound up it’s BARELY BEATING

Because if you aren’t reaching for the truth, you may as well lay down and waste away
Just swallow your pride and FIGHT THE PAIN

Comical use of the english language

In Stride is looking for a bassist. When i read this i was slightly amused, i thought i would post it and see if anyone else find this as funny as i do. It's prbably not that funny, but i'm tired.

"We are also currently looking for a bass player who is a solid dude, can roll easy and does not bring drama. They must also be crucial and be down to practice at least once a week. No drunks or weeders please." - In Stride

It's a Sick World

Heres a few of the 1,000,000,000 reasons you shouldn't drink. And..... drinking alcoholic beverages should be reserved for those wishing to die. Even if you drink in moderation your still openly supporting an industry that has wreaked havoc in society and on countless lives. Just sit back, open your heart, and think clearly. I've been working so much i haven't had time to write anything on my own. So i'm posting lyrics from some of my favorite songs.

A song from Go It Alone, I love this song.

"Turn It Off"

I've watched too many friends destroy themselves, searching for fulfillment in the bottom of a bottle. And I know what it's like because I've felt it, too. That empty feeling can be enough to make you break. I know it's scary to face the truth of our lives. It's easier to just sedate our minds. Turn it off and disconnect ourselves. Numb all of our emotions until there's nothing left. Sifting through the wreckage of broken lives. Watch it all fall apart, leaving us dead inside. I won't settle for cheap escape, won't watch my life go down the drain, won't give up my control in an attempt to numb the pain. Watch it fall apart, keep running from ourselves. Watch it fall apart, try to drown out all the pain. You fell apart.

I Want To Be Rewritten

This is one of my favorite Blue Monday songs. It Captures the spirit of Blue Monday pretty well i think. If i had to use one song to sum up what this band is all about i'd use this one. If you haven't heard this song go download it and then read the lyrics while listening, you'll be moved.

"The Everything Festival"

And sometimes I think there has to be something more I feel it fester inside. But it looks like I'm destined to just fall back in line. Every one of my actions seems so damn clichéd has my path been predisposed. Am I just another pawn in this game? Every minute's one step closer to my last breath still I adjourn my aspirations to another day. When I look in the mirror I see my father's sunken eyes so lost and destitute just before he dies. I cannot succumb to a world of playing it safe with halls of regret my vices cannot placate. I don't want to have to look back and say I wish I had more. Apathy never gained me a gooddamn thing. I crave more. Every minute's one step closer to my last breath. I crave more. Still I adjourn my aspirations to another day. I crave more. I want to be rewritten. Cause I don't want to have to look back and say "Make me young, make me young...."

Tattered Hearts.

I wish that you could see the truth that lies inside your heart.
I wish that you could know the things that would set you a part
Your pushing away what you know inside is right
It hurts to much to open up, it hurts to much to let it all out.
Years of being stepped on, years of abuse
Have killed your will to live for more
You need to fight, you can't give in and let apathy control
I can tell you the truth and you can spit in my face
You can crawl back into the lies you've been living in for so long
But in the end it's up to you, it's out of my hands... because
THIS IS YOUR LIFE, THIS IS ALL YOU HAVE.

Bring It To Life.

The passion and hope inside you. It's needed now more than ever. Just look around and see the destruction of the human spirit, it's rampant. People are dying on the inside; dropping like flies. So... Don't fall, keep hope alive and be a light in the dark....

I Think I Have Been Here Before Because Everything Feels The Same

I got the new Go It Alone/Blue Monday and the new Champion/Betrayed splits in the mail today. Amazing. Go listen.

3000 Miles

I've been listening to alot of Vancouver/Seattle hardcore lately. It seems to produce some of the most unique and innovative hardcore bands around. I would say Go It Alone, Blue Monday, Champion, Sinking Ships, and Shook Ones are my personal favorites from that area. Although recently i stumbled across a few others bands that i really enjoyed from that area, Get The Most, In Stride, and especially Legit. If you have any time you should take it and go Check some of these bands out at www.legitimatebros.com . Especially Legit i'm really impressed by them

Inspiring

I thought i'd post some lyrics from one of my favorite bands (champion) this song hits you where it counts. seriously just read it and take what you will from it. It's nothing complicated, it's just telling the straight forward truth.

Miles To Go

When I fall I get right back up again and I walk it off
Because life's much too short to be held back by my mistakes
And when I struggle I try my best to find the lessons learned
They get me through and help me give my best
You're running from your problems and getting nowhere,
But you can't forget your dreams
You'll never reach the goals you've set
Unless you try to take the risk Can you take the chance?
You watched all your efforts get wiped away
And washed out with the tide
Don't let it kill the hope you feel inside
Let's get it straight you need to get back up and try again
Because sometimes the only path to take Is the hardest one to walk
Last shot at our mistakes, the time is now to set them straight
With miles to go will you take the risk?
The choice is yours, are you willing to take the chance?
With miles left to go, will you take the risk?
Because the only path to take is the hardest one to walk.

The Corporation

Is insanely evil. It's also a book made in a documentary that's extremely thought provoking. I get chills when i watch parts of it. The part when they show the revolution that took place in Bolivia over clean water. Watching that gave me hope that the people really do have the power. All we have to do is recognize the power is in our hands and make things right. It's a long road, but a neccesary one if humanity is to survive.

Go watch "The Corporation" or better yet go read the book then watch the movie multiple times. If you haven't been moved by the knowledge you've gained by doing this then i don't know what to say. It's just that crucial.

I have nothing to talk about but music......

Blue Monday broke up. Sad news. I never got to see them live and i was hoping one day the would play Toronto. They put on an awesome show, or so i've heard. Theres a real lack of positive hardcore in Toronto, hopefully some people see that void and fill it with the second coming of GB or something like that. Although it's highly unlikely that will ever happen, on any place on earth.

Lifetime is recording at some point in the near future. Im extremely interested in hearing the new stuff considering they haven't really recorded anything since '97. It'll be good, Dan Yemin will have his hands all over it so it has to be good. Speaking of that dude, i've been listening to Kid Dynamites' Shorter, Faster, Louder alot lately, its phenominal, it really is one of the best hardcore punk albums of all time.

I'm also reading a book right now called " In The Name of Democracy." It's about various war crimes commited by the U.S, it mostly deals with Iraq. It gives an interesting perspective, more rational than alot of other books that deal with that topic.

I wonder if anyone who reads this has the slightest clue as to what i'm talking about......

RAGE!!!

This is what i look like when i rage at a Comeback Kid show.
Check it.
I'm the kid in the grey shirt.

look closely....




adjusting earplug...

Redemption

I figured since i ranted about some of those kids at the show last saturday and how im dissolusioned with the mindset of some of the younger kids at shows i would write a blog on how im not at all out of touch with the music. There have been alot of hardcore and punk albums that have been released in the last few years that are amazing and should re-assure anyone like me that this music will never die. To name a few of these albums:



















Those are just some of the albums that have impacted me in the past few years. Theres quite a few more, thats why i know this music will never die, despite what people make it into it will always be sincere and it will always be special and have a spot in the hearts of alot of people.

Comeback Kid/This Is Hell/Iginite/First Blood

It was a good show, especially comeback kid, andrew did an amzing job with the vocals. which didnt surpirse me since hes so good with figure four. his vocals are different with comeback kid though, i think i like them better. This is Hell put on an amazing set, i was impressed, i had never seen them before saturday night and i'll definately see them next time they play toronto, i need to get more familiar with their stuff first. Ignite was awesome to, but it was unfortunate they didnt get a good reaction, aside from like 20 people, i'll get to that later. First Blood was ok, they were good if the only thing you like is throwing down and songs with breakdowns that are 3 minutes long. none the less, i have alot of respect for them and their beliefs even though i dont partcularly like thier music.

Now, this is the disturbing part. it seems all kids know how to do in the toronto scene is throwdown or two step, theres nothing wrong with it, but these kids need to understand that very rarely can you throwdown to comeback kid and you cant two step or throwdown to ignite. It was disgracefull a band like ignite thats put so much of themselves into the scene and the kids here dont know the first thing about them becuase they dont have breakdowns. the big problem is that 85% of kids are into hardcore music becuase they think its cool, or they're following a trend. its frustrating for people like me who have been into the music since we were little kids and becuase of that it holds a special place in our hearts. For me hardcore isnt about flailing your limbs all over when some dude plays the strings open on his guitar, its not about being in a crew, its not about looking a certain way, its not about following a trend. its about the sincerity of the music and passion and truth thats in the message.

I was pushed over the edge to write this whole rant when i was in front of the stage for comeback kid, they played the song changing face and before they played it andrew said that the song was for anyone who is here for the right reasons. and if you know that song you know what they meant. anyway theres one line in the song that says "I don't need a crew to validate myself." and sure enough theres a kid who i know is in a "crew" yelling these lyrics into the mic. thats proof these kids arent in it for the right reasons.

Anyway thats enough, this is getting ridiculous. im just so disollusioned with the scene right now, its drving me insane to see these kids take something i love and twist it to fit their mold. A mold that is actually contradicting the whole message of the music that they claim to hold so dear.