Step Aside "I'll Take Darkness…" 7"
Posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 @ 5:50am » permalink
Here's another one that I've been meaning to post for a long time now, but for whatever reason never got around to it before today. Step Aside was a metallic hardcore band from here in Virginia that featured vocalist Jimmy Anthony, later of Askance and Contagen, and drummer Chris Lyman, later of the almighty Mayday (the title track of this 7" also features an appearance from future Mayday vocalist Lance McLeod). "I'll Take Darkness…" was the second release from Vicious Circle Records (the same label that released Mayday's "The Underdark" 7") in 1991, and as far as I know this was Step Aside's sole release (aside from a couple of compilation appearances). I don't know a ton about this band as they were around a little before my time (maybe some more knowledgeable people will comment on this shit), and most of what I do know is thanks to the sadly defunct Audiosuede blog, which was an excellent resource where you can actually still download Step Aside's appearance on the "Living on the Edge" compilation (from 1990). It's pretty straightforward material, with yelled vocals and chunky rhythms, a little bit of a darker edge here and there, and surprisingly catchy grooves at its best ("Big Picture" is the shit!):
1. "Just Like Them"
2. "I'll Take Darkness"
3. "Median"
4. "Big Picture"
I've never heard the band's contribution to the "A Change for the Better" 7" compilation (which was Vicious Circle's debut release), so if anyone happens to have that compilation digitized, let me know, as I'd love to hear it.
Obviously "I'll Take Darkness…" is out of print, but I found a very reasonably priced copy on eBay two years ago, and as of this writing there are three more copies there right now for less than $10 (including shipping), so… if you want to get your hands on the actual vinyl, make the grab while you can!
interesting post! only wish MAYDAY had kept it up…
I remember hearing this bands name, seeing their 7" maybe. But I definitely like Contagen. I had a cd of theirs from Watermark or something. I would love to hear that again.
Anyway, thanks for these! I haven visited in a while so Im gonna lurk around.
whatever happened to Mayday anyway? did they ever release any material on cd?
I saw Step Aside quite a few times when I was at school in DC from 89-93. Saw them open for Killing Time at Club 15 Minutes and I believe they opened for Judge at the Safari Club once. I have some photos of that show if you're interested. Email me.
anyway you could re up this one too thanks
Will, Chris Lyman got the hell out of woodbridge va and moved..(to florida i think but its been a Long time), and yes Step aside did open for judge at tThe Safari club (maybe fall brawl?) . P.s. Check out Jimmy anthonys' little brothers work!. His name is Tommy anthony and he is a superb drummer and has a long list of bands and achievements!. "Roooo!"