Touchdown "Reach for the Top" 7"
[Malfunction]
Here's an awesome 7" of old school straightedge hardcore from DC. 1988 to be exact. Side A is their three-song demo, and side B is three live songs recorded at the Anthrax, also from '88. There's definitely a less melodic sort of Gorilla Biscuits style to this, even vocally. It's fairly typical old school hardcore, I can't say anything about it strikes me as particularly different, but the songs are certainly very good for this style. Of course the three live tracks sound sort of rough. Were the vocals more balanced with the music it would be easier to take, but the vocals kind of jump out front and a lot of the guitar parts get drowned out in the shuffle. It's still a decent document, though. The three songs are definitely cool songs, especially the no bullshit approach of "No Way Out". The 7" is pressed on clear red vinyl and comes in a simple sleeve with a few band photos, lyrics, brief liner notes, etc. It feels slightly rushed because there are a ton of typos and stuff inside, but it does look pretty good as a whole. The lyrics are also relatively to the point and commonplace for the genre, but that's fine. "You tell me that I'm no better than you. I laugh in your face knowing my choice is true. You try to tell me that I'm not cool. It's fucking cool to be straight, straighten up fool!" This is a limited edition release so I'd grab one while you still can. I love records like this because it's so awesome to see generally underappreciated old material get back out there, and this is definitely a strong set of tracks. (7/10)
Running time - 10:00 (approximately), Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: Try to Prove, Breakaway, No Way Out]
Malfunction Records - http://www.malfunctionrecords.com

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