Released in 1994 by Wreck-Age Records, "Damage Control" was the debut EP of absolutely stellar post-hardcore from the painfully underrated (even to this day) Die 116—a band that featured the god damn legendary Gavin Van Vlack from Absolution and Burn (later of Big Collapse) on guitar and Andrew Gormley from Rorschach (later of Kiss it Goodbye and Playing Enemy) on drums. Offering up five tracks in a mere 16 minutes, it blows my mind that this band doesn't get more love out there these days, especially considering how many loosely comparable acts from the mid-90's have been held in such high regard during the past decade. As is generally the case when Van Vlack's slick guitar work is present, you can pick up on some sweet little technical flourishes and arpeggiated runs that have that Absolution/Burn ring to 'em, and there's a dash of the Rorschach approach buried in here as well—alongside a Quicksand-ish sort of vibe that's a little more rhythmic and angular, with less melody seeping into the pulsing undercurrents and discordant textures. Great recording, great songs, great EP. I should say more, but that really does say it all. Just check out a couple of the tracks for yourself. Hugely recommended. Hopefully many of you out there will agree with me...
Die 116 "Jesus Complex"
Die 116 "Last Laugh"
To my surprise, you can actually still find this gem out there on all formats (CD, 12", cassette, and digitally)—new or used—for fair prices, which is awesome. If you like what you hear above, I wholly recommend everything this band recorded. You can find the "Dyna-Cool" full-length out there via most of the same sources below, and it's definitely another keeper. I just prefer the immediacy of the songwriting on the EP a touch more, which is why I chose to write about this particular release.
Get It
Amazon.com (CD)
Interpunk (CD)
RevHQ (CD)
Very Distribution (12")
eMusic (mp3)
Comments
i actually prefer the full length, but they’re both really good
1.22.2009 | By Anonymous
shit. fucking LOVE both!
it’s almost like two different bands in my opinion.
Damage Control is alittle more traditionally structured songwise in comparison to Dyna-Cool which always reminded me of a loose early Unsane and their AmRep ilk.
Live they were always a train wreck, probably not really on purpose, but at the same time lending itself to the band’s overall aesthetic that much more.
Lyrically speaking - you can NOT fuck with Dyna-Cool! Hands down some of the best sarcastic, twisted, bitter reality-based lyrics and one liners.
this shit is timeless.
1.22.2009 | By jim fuckin winters
I remember posting Drunk Tank from Dyna-Cool on my old blog a few years back.
Still one of my favorite songs of all time.
I didn’t realize my roommate read this site. Hi Jim!
1.22.2009 | By Eddie
ha ha!
Hostage Calm?
i’d say the Keith Huckins’ influence can be felt on the ep as from my understanding he was the guitarist at the time. there’s this Rollins type of vibe throughout, along with what i’d almost consider post-Burn elements thrown in.
i think the addition of Cooper (J.J. Paradise Players Club/Kill Van Kull/Made Out Of Babies) added to their insanity while Manny Carrero’s (Stillsuit/Glassjaw etc) melodic basswork definitely helped to rein in the chaos just enough.
1.23.2009 | By jim fuckin winters
Tim Singer was in this band briefly early on and if i’m not mistaken, Gavin played bass on this release. Live they always fucking killed it and Gavin always had an insane look of bloodshed in his eyes. i remember him nearly punching the neck of the SG he was using at a U Arts show in Philly in half. i love the EP and full-length as well as their track on the ‘Step on a Crack’ 2xLP comp… all of it is incredible and it’s a shame nothing else ever materialized.
a little off topic but, i really don’t remember any bad releases from Wreck-Age.
1.23.2009 | By -c
Yes! Such an under rated band it’s disgusting. But you know. What can you do Thanks for posting this and getting their name out!
1.26.2009 | By Birkir
On a side note too, I think somebody should really write a comprihensive piece on what once was Wreck-Age /Exit records. Truly unique.
1.26.2009 | By Birkir
outgrew a lot of stuff from this era (yeah, i’m old). this made it to my i-tunes/i-pod, however. so great. Gormley’s drumming is incredible.
4.26.2011 | By saucY