Project X and No Turning Back…
Gotta keep this one short as I feel like absolute dirt once again. But anyway, who wouldn't be grateful to Bridge Nine for their reissue of the "straightedgest" record of all time!? Originally a 7" limited to 500 copies that came with issue #7 of the legendary Schism fanzine, this side project whose members had been involved (around that time period) with Youth of Today, Side by Side, Gorilla Biscuits, and Judge was destined to become a legendary collectors' item. And indeed, what Porcell (Slam), Alex Brown (Kid Hard), Walter Schreifels (ND), and Sammy Siegler (The Youth) created with this EP was a masterpiece of borderline hokey straightedge hardcore of the most typical 1987 fashion, complete with no song hitting two minutes. Hell, even with the bonus live tracks tacked onto this edition ("Dance Floor Justice" and "Cross Me" recorded in 1988 at the Anthrax) the total running time is still less than 10 minutes!
Project X "Straight Edge Revenge"
And speaking of Schism fanzine, also recommended is the awesome new B9 Press book, "Schism: New York Hardcore Fanzine", which collects all three issues of Alex Brown and Porcell's one-of-a-kind zine circa 1987/1988. Included are interviews with Agnostic Front, Bold, Dag Nasty, SSD, Slapshot, Warzone, and many others that prove what a different world it was back then. You'll also find reviews, shitloads of classic era hardcore photos, and reflective commentary pieces from the zine's authors. You can't fucking lose, and I'd love to see this branch of Bridge Nine give other zines the same treatment (cough, cough, Hardware, cough, cough).
You can pick up both of these re-released gems either from the label or plenty of distros, and I'd fully recommend doing so. I fucking love reissues and it's always great to see labels keeping this stuff out there with improved packaging and sound.
Get the CD:
Bridge Nine
Very Distribution
Get the book:
Bridge Nine
Very Distribution
Also recently out on Bridge Nine is the latest from Dutch metallic hardcore act No Turning Back. "Rise From the Ashes" sees the band dropping six new tracks after some significant lineup changes, as well as three songs from their split with The Deal (including a cover of Breakdown's "Vengeance"). It seems the band's sound remains unaffected, as the new material is as tight and punchy as ever, increasingly honing the band's NYHC-inspired grooves and chunky breakdowns with a damn solid recording (check the rad bass tone). They've been called one of the best hardcore bands in Europe, and I wouldn't argue with that... they've definitely stepped it up over the years.
Comments
No Turning Back is a very good band. Great cd. Pure NYHC style,... and they even do an excellent Breakdown cover. (brooklyn)
12.28.2005 | By Anonymous
I love a lot of European hardcore and if any of you get the chance, check them out live. I saw them last Fall when they played PA with the Slumlords. They did not disappoint.
12.29.2005 | By EMS / COREGASM / SA MOB
there was a time when i didn’t care that much about NTB. i’ve heard some songs few years back and i just didn’t like it. then i saw them live-tight, full of energy and good vibe.
“rise from the ashes” is probably the best euro hardcore record in 2005 and i’m glad this band proved me wrong.
12.29.2005 | By malik
NTB is great!!
And thumbs up to B9 for that great idae to rerelease the PX ep and the print the Schism book.
(brooklyn has spoken)
12.31.2005 | By Anonymous
No Turning Back is great. That record is their best release ever and I can’t wait for new recordings in the (once again) new lineup. Just listen to Poisoned Tongues. Damn. Good you bring this up Andrew.
1.1.2006 | By Pim
Wow, didnt realize I was that old until I read stuff like this. I was at the Anthrax show, I have the origional Project X 7 still in the plastic and stapled to the zine….hell, I still even have my Project X t-shirt I bought that night. Amazing to think that the Youth Crew is now a bunch of 40 year olds….
8.1.2006 | By Ray Santopietro