Terror – “Live By The Code”
Terror is a hardcore punk band from L.A. that started in 2002.
I was unfamiliar with them until Andy Bang picked them for this weeks dual-texting classic album review.
But every time I listen to them, an unbelievable amount of terror stirs deep within my very soul- causing me to wet myself whenever I do so.
This has been helpful in some circumstances, say when I’m watering the lawn, but otherwise it has caused me great shame. So much so that I can’t imagine me ever divulging this to another person.
But you, dear reader, please have no such trepidation.
Sit back and relax. Let your mind evaporate like ice cream, purchased from a passing truck per se, dripping onto the hot pavement during a summers’ hundred degree day or evaporating like intelligent thought in modern day American politics.
As we surge forwards, to lands once thought impossible- as we enter the strange but beckoning, bizarre but benign, world of dual-texting.
Andy- Did you go trick or treating?
Slimedog- No, but I was dressed as Mr. Bean, as I am every day.
Andy- I went as a salad, but the lettuce kept falling off. I guess I didn’t use enough dressing.
Slimedog- I heard you went as a “Rat Salad” but they kept biting you. Probably shouldn’t have used the real thing. Do you hear something outside?
Andy- Not sure, what do you hear?
Slimedog- Oh, I forgot we are at two different places. I’ve just been feeling terrorized since you picked this band.
Andy- Well since it’s Halloween I figured a band that goes by that name Terror would be perfect. But beyond that, Terror is an awesome hardcore punk band from L.A. and you know how partial I am to hardcore?
Slimedog- Me, I’m more a proponent of softcore music. You know, where they simulate playing instruments but they actually don’t. So they don’t actually create any sounds, it goes wonderfully with watching mime. What’s the first tune we’re going to mime to?
Andy- So back in 2013, Terror came out with their awesome 5th album called “Live By The Code.” And the first tune, which also happens to be track #1, is called “The Most High.”
Slimedog- This song has slashing metal chords. And some hardcore vocals that remind me of The Beastie Boys a bit. Plus, an ominous sound that caused me to hide under my bed when I first heard it. Haven’t left there since, actually.
Andy- True. A cool tune that seems to refer to their enlightenment of and entrance into the hardcore scene. They have a cool NY hardcore feel to them.
Slimedog- Which is odd as they’re from the West Coast. But oddly enough, I find odd occurrences quite normal.
Andy- The next tune is a song of perseverance called, “I’m Only Stronger.”
Slimedog- Actually, I’m still feeling fearful. I’m afraid that transgender immigrants might climb into my bathroom and use it.
Andy- I think you should build a wall around your toilet.
Slimedog- I tried that but then, alas, I couldn’t access it. As Pink Floyd said, in public bathrooms I feel like I’m just another prick in the stall. “I’m Only Stronger” has an underlying funk beat and almost rap-like vocals that sound a bit like Rage Against The Machine.
Andy- Yes but with a stripped down hardcore vibe. It’s nice to see bands keeping the pure hardcore genre going like Terror, Madball and Hatebreed.
Slimedog- Not to mention Toto, Foreigner and The Little River Band. I’ve recently become concerned that the expired food in my refrigerator will band together and lead a revolt! The sour cream is turning colors! What’s next on the menu?
Andy- The next tune is the title track, “Live By The Code.” A revved up, crazy hayride- fully equipped with stage diving and drop kicks. Nice energy.
Slimedog- This is my favorite song by them, that is next to the ever popular “Nickels Up My Nose,” that still, to this day, causes grown men to weep in the streets. This song is much more like straight ahead hardcore and my favorite part is towards the end, where the beat becomes staggered. Much like my frequent trips to the refrigerator for refreshments.
Andy- Ya it’s a very cool tune. The last but definitely not least tune we’ll check out is called, “Hard Lessons.” Nice chugging guitar licks. Tandem vocals. Pace changes. It has it all.
Slimedog- Sorry, I was distracted. I thought there were Islamic militants outside my window but it was only an ice cream truck. This song contains a lot of intense, aggression and is most like the heavy, New York style. And is a great tune.
Andy- I understand your confusion. Those ice cream trucks are so insidious. Pure evil.
Slimedog- And the terrifying songs they play! Instead of “Turkey In The Straw” why couldn’t they play some G.G. Allin? (The thought on G.G. Allin manning an ice cream truck just passed my thoughts and I don’t believe it’s a good one!) Well, all these terror filled moments were worthwhile to me just for experiencing this great band- Terror.
Andy- Agreed. Terror is an awesomely fun band. Next time it’s your turn. Any thoughts? Perhaps an ice cream truck band?
Slimedog- It’s between Crosby, Stills and Nash, “Insipid Songs That Sound Pretty” and Oasis, “The Worst Of The Beatles.”
Andy- Tough choice.
Slimedog- True, but not as tough as actually listening to either band.
