Live Fast Die Fast – “Snakes In Disguise”
Every New York band that TNB has written about in the last ten years owes something to Live Fast Die Fast.
Whether that’s a pat of the back or a punch in the eye…Well, that’s for each band to determine.
When TNB first started we covered only New England bands. (Plus, certain regions of Lower Mongolia).
But that all changed after LFDF sent us a release that I felt compelled to write about.
And call me crazy, though I’ve certainly never given anyone, any reason, to have such an unreasonable thought- But with so many legendary New York hardcore bands still kicking, LFDF would still be my favorite to see.
And Paul Turano, their lead singer? He’s one of the most passionate and compassionate, exciting and meaningful hardcore singers around.
And I don’t care what sport teams you hate from either city or if you can recall the fights between New York and Boston hardcore bands in the eighties-
We are all East Coast guys and ladies, linked together in the same climate, same locality, same music and the same dispositions.
I love the California punks, but they are as foreign to our way of life as the Outer Mongolians.
But let’s now lend our ears to their new release:
After a few terrific, tom-tom beats, “Make It Count” shoots in like a lightning bolt hitting a live electrical wire- and why, Yes!- sparks do fly.
“We’re not gonna live forever, Don’t let your fears get in the way…Don’t waste the moment, don’t waste this breath…Meet the challenge unafraid…The future depends on what you do today.”
The beat is an intense, haltering, jerking rhythm with metal guitar like shrieks that create a chaotic but thrilling backdrop for the excellent, inspiring lyrics. The last part of this awesome, foreboding song switches to a straight ahead rock beat evolving into a headbangers breakdown-
“Give it everything you got till there’s nothing left.” This song has it all and more so.
“Raise The Bridge” busts out in a more faster paced hardcore rhythm with a machine gun blast of words.
The propulsive pulse moves along mightily with the guitars squealing in agony or creating unique, counterpoint lines to compliment the angry lyrics.
“Tear down the statues, remove his name. Won’t be divided, won’t live in shame. You cannot divide us, we live as equals. The judge and the jury, our verdict will not be peaceful.”
An excellent, exciting tune.
Like a bulldozer strapped with dynamite exploding in a collision of rhythm guitar feedback, plus pure venom and noise. “Silence Speaks Volumes” communicates with loud vocals, that call and respond with each other while hard hitting, ominous guitar breathes down our back or really, our ears.
“Your silence speaks volumes, I hear what you will never say. Hard times reveal true friends, you were nothing but a mistake.
The guitars and beats roar around corners like an amusement park carousel ride nearly flying out of control.
The ending of the song starts with a minor key, Black Sabbath like part that soon double times as this release goes out in an exciting blaze.
Beginning with some energetic and excellent rock/funk drums which are answered by a Joy Division like doomy bass line, “We Get By,” soon erupts into a wildly aggressive hardcore romp.
“We’ve got to come together, not tear down one another. My sisters, my brothers- look out for one another. If my heart is scarred and burned, the safer I am for all I’ve learned. Live and learn, know where you came from.”
A great ending to a great release.
Live Fast Die Fast died out for a while returning from the ashes with a band called Out Live Death.
I liked that band, as well, but I’m more happy that the original band is living again.
The music on this release takes LFDF one step further in their music life and I would say, in New York hardcore, too.
And though the lyrics keep the hardcore integrity flowing in its traditional, social commentary way, the music moves on adding elements of rock’n’roll, industrial and metal- while maybe not being a novel idea, creates a music for me that is unique and personal and great to my ears.
And though it’s true that to live fast means that you will die fast, too. (Just think of all the early punk musicians who left us too early because of their destructive lifestyles).
The music that they made, as well as the music that bands like Live Fast Die Fast makes lives on because great music, just like any great art lives on forever.
It’s as indestructible as it is good in that way.
(Slimedog)
