Current San Diego Hardcore Scene Report
by Chad Stroup
Our fine town has always had a slew of great hardcore punk bands over the years, but they are often overshadowed by bands in Los Angeles or other larger cities. This “ scene report” is being created to give a voice to those unheard bands. There are plenty of other more well known bands from our region that get plenty of press elsewhere, so I’ll only be focusing on those you may or may not have heard about. I know there’s plenty of other bands out there right now too, so don’t get upset if you weren’t mentioned. I can’t be held responsible for remembering everybody.
BUMBKLAATT are one of the longest running hardcore bands from around here (half of the band lives in Chula Vista, the other half in Tijuana). They have released a couple of 7”’s and a 10”, but I have heard they are currently working on an LP that will be released by the mighty Prank Records. If you like bands that play heavier, crustier hardcore, then you will love Bumbklaatt. They are no generic band though, instead reaching great heights of songwriting not unlike a band like Tragedy. You can check them out at http://www.myspace.com/bumbklaattchulajuana.
LIFE CRISIS exists on a part-time basis these days, since vocalist (and former bassist) Sean moved to Tennessee. However, it seems they are still keeping the band together for the occasional tour and/or recording. So far they have released 2 7”’s and a few compilation tracks of mind-numbingly good 80’s-styled hardcore a la MDC or Crucifix. There has been a lot of line-up issues for them in the past year so hopefully they will be able to make it work and get a new record rolling in 2007. Give them a listen at http://www.lifecrisis.net/.
CRIME DESIRE are still kicking ass and taking names, going strong after releasing 2 singles and 2 full-length records (CD versions on Coalition Records, vinyl on the vocalist Colin’s label Life’s a Rape). There is not another band out there quite like these guys, mixing elements of fast hectic hardcore like Infest or Void, with some heavier moments and an almost avant-garde edge and obnoxious vocals. Definitely not for the weak at heart. They just recorded some new songs too, so watch for those to be released sooner or later. Crime Desire does not have a website, but you can e-mail Colin for any info at colinrrmf@yahoo.com.
LAST PRIEST unfortunately broke up a few months ago, only leaving us with a 7” on Old Guard Records and a super-rare (limited to 100) single on Life’s a Rape. They were working on an LP that will now be shelved. These guys played some pretty noisy and crazy stuff like Black Flag or Bl’ast!, but with a modern hardcore edge to it. Matt still plays in Crime Desire, but hopefully some of these other cats will get new bands going eventually. You can still buy what’s left of their merch at http://www.lastpriest.com.
WACO FUCK has been raging for a few years with some intensely fast hardcore with a slight metallic edge. No tough guy meathead moshmetal stuff here though, just pure blistering thrash. They have released 2 7”’s, one limited to 200 copies and very likely out of print, and a newer one on Life’s a Rape. If you like anything from DRI to Crossed Out, you’ll probably want to give this band a listen. http://www.myspace.com/wacofuck.
UNTIL THE FALL musically is what I would consider to be pure fast metal/crossover played by hardcore kids and done very well. They sound a hell of a lot like Slayer with some mid-period DRI thrown in. They have released a split cd and a new full-length. Bang your head to them at http://www.myspace.com/untilthefallcv.
TAKE OFFENSE is a younger band from Chula Vista that goes for a tougher modern hardcore sound. They have released a demo, a split 7” with PC DEATHSQUAD (speed metal core with a sense of humor—http://www.myspace.com/pcdeathsquadthrash), and have just recorded a new EP. http://www.myspace.com/takeoffense.
DOWN AGAIN is yet another new band with members from Take Offense who have only released a demo thus far. They rage pretty hard though, so you can check them out at http://www.myspace.com/downagaincvhc.
S.B.V. is the band I sing for. We’ve been playing together for a few years and have released a few 7”’s and demos, and recorded some compilation tracks that have yet to be released. We also recently recorded 14 songs for a full-length release that will be coming out on Mankind Records. It’s very fast punk, but with a melodic edge. Maybe the missing link between Uniform Choice and SNFU? Like many other bands around these parts we’ve had our line-up issues over the years, but hopefully those will be resolved soon. You can check us out at http://www.myspace.com/sbvsilentbutviolent.
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So that’s it for now. There are lots of other cool bands of all genres that exist in our town, so do some networking and find out about some other bands that I may not have mentioned. You’d be surprised at what you may find. CS