Out Live Death – “Has History Taught Us Nothing”
Last week I reviewed a new band from New York called No Lives. The drummer from the band, Marc, played in Live Fast, Die Fast- one of TNB’s favorite New York bands that we covered, for several years.
And, lo and behold, this week we’re reviewing the band that grew out of Live Fast, Die Fast- led by Paul, the singer of that band. And the new band is called Out Live Death. (I still wear my Live Fast, Die Fast t-shirt every week, though, it’d be nice if I washed it once in a while.)
And next week we’re reviewing an emo-punk band whose former bass player was next door neighbors, to someone who knew one of the original guitar players from Live Fast, Die Fast!
So you see- we’re on a roll here.
But to me, Out Live Death is a continuation of Life Fast, Die Fast’s potent mix of New York heavy hardcore and politically conscious lyrics, mixed with the vitality and vim and vigor of early punk.
They have the intensity and the seriousness of New York hardcore but don’t allow themselves to get weighed down by the heavy metal encumbrance of that style. Plus, they embrace the true spirit of punk rock, questioning society and the government with a bunch of brash, punk energy to go along with the intense songs.
Let’s enter the pit and while we get jostled, let’s give this record a spin:
Right out of the gate “Buried Alive” has venomous vocals striking out at your eardrums like a cobra snake. A staggered beat switches tempo, mid-line, while the music sinks it’s fangs, viciously into you. “Poison our mind…they lie right to our faces…lying and stealing and cheating their way…we’re buried alive.” There’s a bridge that’s a bit more straight hardcore with an effective guitar lick and shout-a-long back up vocals. “Will we learn from our mistakes? We’re buried alive.” Awesome tune with powerful lyrics and passionate music.
After a short guitar intro we’re quickly thrust forwards into a hardcore pit of music. “We Will Not Rest” appears to be about our own, “Emperor’s New Clothes” President Donny Dump, I mean, Donny Chump. “We will not rest, your God emperor has won, all our progress undone.” Another voice joins the fray, “Fuck you, racist. Fuck you, sexist.” This song just simmers and boils over with energy and excitement and righteous indignation. “We won’t let your vengeance succeed, we will fight back.” If the greatness of this song is any indication, we will succeed. And I’m pretty certain that we will. This is my favorite song on their recording.
“We Ain’t Dead Yet” is a song this band usually ends sets with, much like they did the other day at the Midway. Though, I, at first thought this song was about how they haven’t quite turned into a jam band emulating the Greatful Dead, it is in fact, a song about resilience. A straight ahead rock beat leads into a more heavy metal like, headbanging groove and lyrics “We live to fight another day,” giving hope to those fighting the good fight. This is a simple, but very effective song, and one of my favorites by them.
“Profit Over Poison” starts with a rockin’ rhythm and classic guitar lead before the drums bum rush the song into a triple-time hardcore explosion. The vocals, intentionally, distort at one point adding menace to the exhorting lyrics. Excellent tune.
I throw around terms, in my writing, like “grindcore,” “melodic punk rock” etcetera. That’s my job, really. But I realize, I’m just trying to use words to describe the indescribable, setting out to explain- what really can’t be explained.
But if I can even edge one inch closer to expressing all the guts and passion, power and true emotion that erupts out of bands like Out Live Death- I feel it’s all worth the try, it’s worth the attempt to do so.
But what’s great about the punk and hardcore scenes is just not the powerful, great music but the powerfully, great love and camaraderie that springs forth from it.
And if I can edge one inch closer to express the love and beauty emanating from this tight-knit, wonderful community. I feel it’s worth it but I feel- that’s an even steeper task.
At the show they played recently at the Midway, reviewed on-line now, Paul remembered our fallen hero, Keith Brooks, from the stage. Keith was a fellow from South Boston who put on some great hardcore shows for several years, several of them right here. And Keith was a veteran of Afghanistan who, unfortunately, had PTSD and never recovered from it.
I mention, to Paul, at the show- my frustration about being unable to help him, “I thought I had a chance. I mean, he looked up to me.”
But the legacy he left in the hearts of Paul and Alex from Neighborhood Shit, both who mention him to me today, and all of us who loved him, lives on in the music he loved. In the music these bands play, and the fans who support this music.
To that I have nothing to add, but “Cheers, Keith.”
And I hope, somehow you heard this great Midway show today.
(Slimedog)
