A Tribute to American Hardcore
by Ryan Clancy
From the very conception of American hardcore music, the frayed denim lapels of the punks have more often than not featured the iconic Dead Kennedys "DK" logo, and the timeless Misfits crimson ghost. These two symbols have transcended the simple representation of a band, and have come to be associated with American hardcore as a style, genre and anti-authoritarian movement.
It seems only fitting that a consortium of the punkest motherfuckers in Detroit would pay homage to these legacies, with their second and third installments of the American hardcore 7" series. When I speak of the punkest motherfuckers in Detroit, I am very obviously referring to Hellmouth, Child Bite, Golden Torso and Old Gods. On the night of 10/25, these men will provide you with two 7" records featuring cover songs by the Misfits and Dead Kennedys —two songs apiece, and spanning their respective discographies. Both records will be included with a $12 admission price and each band will be performing covers as well as original jams at which you can pump your fist. These records will not be available in stores or online, and they will surely be distributed completely on the night of the event. So, make sure you get out to Smalls early.
The first release in this succession paid tribute to the music of Black Flag. The records were gone after one glorious night of sing-alongs, stage dives and jittery mohawks orbiting the focus of the pit. The fourth and fifth installments of the series will have the boys showing their respect for Minor Threat and Bad Brains – release date to be determined.
Come out and show your support for the inspired institution of American hardcore.
Words of love and hate from the proprietors:
Jay Navarro (Hellmouth, Break Anchor, Suicide Machines): "Dead Kennedys are definitely one of my biggest influences. They were the first band that made me look in to the problems of the world, and question things like, what do the lyrics to 'Moon Over Marin' actually mean, and the wit — who could match that guy's [Jello Biafra] wit? We also cover 'Nazi Punks Fuck Off', not just because we are anti-fascist, which we are, but also because we don't want to be associated with the types of lunkheads and meatheads who like to come to shows and get overly aggressive and ruin everyone's time."
Jeff Tuttle (Old Gods, Heads Will Roll, Dillinger Escape Plan): "Misfits taught me how to pound my guitar like a jackhammer."
Derek Swanson (Old Gods, Solid Dudes Kitchen): "The Misfits blow. I spent so much time and effort loving that band as a kid, and then I watched Danzig systematically neuter their entire legacy over the last 25 years. Congratulations. You read scary books and fetishize wolves."
Mike Durgan (Golden Torso, Thunderbirds are Now!): "DK was all about skateboarding fast with my friends and 'revolting' against the social norms of our small town and smoking weed. No glory story here, they just made shit a little easier on my thoughts." | RDW
Hellmouth, Child Bite, Old Gods and Golden Torso • 10/25, 8 p.m. • Smalls • 10339 Conant, Hamtramck • All ages • $12 (admission includes 2 records featuring all 4 artists)
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