An evening of straight-edge hardcore from both sides of the Atlantic!
Tonight, the New Cross Inn plays host to straight-edge hardcore as it oughta be. In the wrong hands, the movement has too often been used as a tool to (sometimes literally) beat non-believers, but no-one’s getting dirty looks for enjoying a beer or two tonight. Rather, this evening’s bands embody the idea that hardcore gigs can be so much more than just a way for folks to let off steam; that the music can actually be a force for change.
As xapothecaryx kick things off, it’s heartening to see a decent-sized pit go utterly crazy at such an early hour, and for a local band, no less. Bodies go flying. A couple of tables and chairs go flying. Half the time, vocalist Jordan doesn’t really need his microphone, because he’s got plenty of crowd backup. There are genuine ‘ohhhh boy’ moments just before the brutally heavy breakdowns kick in, because we’ve already seen the chaos that’s about to ensue, and overall, the Londoners are proof enough that British straight-edge hardcore can more than hold its own. Watch these folks closely.
xEscalatex initially struggle to match that explosive start, but trust us when we say that the Hungarians are the Captains of Crunch, and their punishingly heavy hardcore attack soon prevails. Reminiscent at times of 90s metalcore at its most abrasive, they get some serious side-to-side mosh action during ‘False Shelter’ and the closing ‘Redistribution’, and they deserve every bit of it.
“London moshers, where you at?” Moral Law are not going to let us slack off, and nor should they. The Denver quintet are clearly stoked to be here, and their enthusiasm is infectious. They bring an almost anthemic (but thankfully still raw and unpolished) edge to proceedings, with plenty of nimble-fingered riffing; imagine Darkest Hour if they leant more towards straight-edge hardcore than Swedish melo-death, and you’ll have a rough idea of where the pit-sparking likes of ‘Salvation’ and ‘Looming End’ are coming from. By the time they close with ‘Abolitionist’, everyone’s converted, and the New Cross Inn is getting seriously sweaty. A triumph.
As with those that came before, Life Force’s vocalist has plenty to say, and it’s all highly worthwhile. The crowd all listen closely as he takes the time between songs to explain what they’re about, gives shout-outs to bands that have inspired his own, and advocates for trans people, animal rights and the building of local communities. Musically, for the most part, they play fast and furious; no frills, admittedly, but my goodness, do the likes of ‘The Life Force’ and ‘State Of Control’ feel good when they hit this hard.
Four bands, then, all doing a fine job of carrying the torch of straight edge hardcore into the next generation. Cheers to all involved; at the risk of sounding overly evangelical, it’s been an evening of genuinely life-affirming music in the midst of (at best) uncertain times. Seriously, get involved.
Main Photo Credit: TIM BIRKBECK
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