by Raymond Epstein

That's sick, bro! Insane!, What are they on? Must have some screws loose. That's crazy! Lit! There are tons more ways to describe something intense where the quest for excitement spills into fury and a seemingly complete lack of concern for your own (everyone’s) well being. Humans have taken out their aggression on themselves and everything else on this planet since the first cave dweller stubbed their toe on a rock and then likely punched who/whatever was nearby. Specifically, the oldest recorded events were from around 10,000 BCE where swimming, sprinting and wrestling were depicted in cave paintings. No one back then (or really ever) had to do that stuff and there was always some level of risk. I have always wondered why I and others I knew were drawn to music/sports lifestyles that most would say were insane. We all faced being at least ostracized and at worst suffering grievous bodily harm (see what I did there?).

Actually there is science behind this, moreover genetics in fact. There is what scientists like to call the daredevil gene or specifically NeuroD2. Humans and mice are born with two of these genes, however, researchers conducted an experiment where mice were engineered with only a single NeuroD2 gene. The mice in that sample were significantly less averse to dangerous behavior than the control group. While it isn't likely that humans would be born with a single NeuroD2 gene it is possible that one's concentration of the protein would have an influence on their risk intelligence or one's desire to engage in or lack of concern when faced with risky situations. A 2006 study of twins demonstrated that the desire to engage in risky behavior exists in both, pointing towards more than just environmental factors. Finally, DRD4, the dopamine receptor gene, where variations within have been implicated with problems like insanity, drug addiction, ADHD also can be a factor in risky behavior. Okay, so maybe being into punk rock does qualify you as being insane.

Crazy or not, there has always been a long relationship between punk and "extreme" sports. I kinda hate the term extreme sports because it qualifies said sport as being so far removed from any quote "normal activity" in a subjectively simplified way. Pushing oneself down the street on a skateboard does not seem that "extreme," but could qualify if the wildest thing you ever did was to put extra salt on your french fries. Nevertheless, punk was (and still is) a perfect soundtrack for individual sports like skateboarding. Many of hardcore's pioneers were skaters at one point or another. Many bands built their reps around being part of the skateboarding scene.

There are tons more. We may be missing something, but fill it in with some "insane" stuff. Now shut up and let's ride.

Finally, a quick rundown of some junk in my playlists of late...

Plague Vendor: By Night Hey this is actually kind of a sweet tie-in to me mentioning Whittier above as that is where Plague Vendor hails from. I will admit to totally blowing on these guys as when I first heard their name I was expecting some sort of death metal group. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I ignored them when I was first made aware of them. I won't get too much into it, but basically, if you love fire and brimstone rock that recalls the best stuff The Hives did then this will be right up your alley. Love the songs, New Comedown, White Wall, Nothings Wrong

Subtype Zero: The Astral Awakening This came out last year and likely I found them by meandering around in Bandcamp (no I don't really Spotify; guess I'm old, whatever). Keeping it simple, this is blazing mid-80's thrash ala "Reign in Blood" period Slayer done exceptionally well by some hesher kids from Cleveland. "Unprecedented Salvation" is the best song Slayer did not write in years. I give it 4.5 out of 5 pentagrams.

B Boys: Dudu Angular, stark, acerbic, post-punk badassery from these Brooklynites. This will be a good fit for any Wire, Fall and maybe early Talking heads fans. Despite B Boys sharp edges, their songs are rather catchy and you'll be humming them. You know, like if you are a weirdo that hums shit at inopportune times. Hum along or tap yr pointy shoe (or knock over your drink) to Cognitive Dissonance, On Repeat, Automation

Destroy everything!
-Raymond

"We are the music makers; we are the dreamers of dreams"

About Ray: Hello Tidewater and World! I am native of Norfolk/VB, however I now call Alpharetta (topside of Atlanta), Georgia home. I grew up playing guitar (and some singing) in numerous bands from high school on for which a punishing amount of detail can be found somewhere in the archives 'round here. These days I am a dentist, cyclist (mostly mountain biking), half-assed graphic artist and I still occasionally pop up in some hair-brained music outings. I've probably forgotten seeing/playing with more bands than most will ever see and still find my way to shows despite my otherwise domestic milieu. Hit me up with questions, comments, hate mail and dirty pictures.