Like
everything else subcultures begin with the hard work and dedication of a
few committed individuals. Within every one of those beginnings is a group of
founding fathers and mothers. Hardcore-punk is not exempt from this origin
story; a story it shares with its inherent rival the nation-state it purports
to fight or at least set itself outside of culturally. Since ancient times,
governments created by these nation-states have celebrated their founding
figures by building statues of them, naming institutions after them, and
placing their images on coins and bills. From the outset hardcore-punk has
established itself as a subculture that rejects this type of hero building. In
that context, hardcore-punk’s current tendency for one-time reunion shows and
tours featuring reformed headliners of yesteryear is concerning. For one, this
borderline hero worship flies in the face of some of the subculture’s basic tenets.
Remember, our band could be your life. More importantly though this trend seems
to be, in the potential long-run, self defeating. What will happen when the
reunions run out? If bands of today find it harder to be given top billing on larger shows who
will grow to become the headliners down the road? Of all music based subcultures
shouldn’t hardcore-punk be the one where new ideas and concepts are pushed to
the front instead of being resigned to playing second fiddle?
We can recognize and obviously still
enjoy the bands of the past without placing them on a pedestal that has the
potential to stop or at least make it more difficult for current bands to have
their moment.
Of course, there
is the very real possibility that everything I have said is completely off-base. It
would be wrong of me especially considering the value system of this subculture
to claim to be an authoritative voice on this or any issue. However, I think
this discussion is at least one worth having.
Having
said all that, I want to use this blog to bring attention to current acts I
find intriguing for one reason or another.
Take
care & enjoy.
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