The more recent side-project of Roger Miret (AF) and ex-members of California's legend Insted (r.i.p. - the band line up being completed by Rich Labbate, Steve Larson, Barret Burt) seems really to be going noticed on so many hardcore-punk aficionados radars, specially among those who want their hardcore-punk to be angry, stripped down and anchored to its old-school early 80's roots.
Since band inception the guys released two EPs, "You Ruined Everything" dated 2006 and the self-titled 7" in 2008, printed by Indecision records (Cali based label of the likes of Insted, Unbroken, Count Me Out, Outspoken to name a few).
In 2012 the foursome follows-up to those two early efforts with "TIME'S UP, YOUR DEAD". This album collects two previously released EPs plus rare tracks and a handful of brand new songs out through Bridge9 records.
We emailed Roger a bunch of questions about this new record, punk rock, the hardcore scene, Insted and more. Here is the Q&A.
gan: Hey this is gotanerve-zine.com, what's up?
Welcome.
gan: So, let's start this off with a low-down on your band. All of you guys are well known among hardcore-punk aficionados but your facebook page just describes this project as "Sounds like a prison stabbing". What else you wanna add?
Someone said that to us that after listening to a couple songs and it sounded like a good description so we put it up there. Umm, ya we’ve been talking about getting in the studio to record some songs for a long time now so it was exciting to actually see it come to life.
gan: What about your band name? Does the alligator as an animal means something special to you, or is it just a cool aggressive name for an old school influenced combo?
just a cool aggressive name for an old school influenced combo.
gan: Your full-length debut "Time's Up, Your Dead" is finally out on B9 records. How do you feel about the record? Does it live up to your original goals and expectations?
Yes, we’re happy with it. The artwork is cool. We hope people can get into it as well.
gan: If you had to compare this new effort to the EP "You Ruined Everything" what would you say?
Well I would say that it is a collection of all of our recordings thus far so just a continuation of what we we’ve been up to. There are 6 songs that have not been released on vinyl and 4 of those that are totally new.
gan: Being yours kinda of, let me say, all stars project, what have been some of the first reactions you got? Any fans of Agnostic Front who wanted the record to sound more AF or Insted's fans expecting it to be more of West-Coast thing?
We’ve have gotten a great response so far. I’m sure there is someone, somewhere that might think that but ‘all in all’ it’s been a positive reaction. It is what it is. A blend of both coasts.
gan: The title"Time's Up, Your Dead" is pretty much straight forward. What does this title embodies? Is this addressed to somebody?
It was addressed to one person in particular at the time. We can’t say who but I it doesn’t matter anyway. He’s dead now. We can generalize now.
gan: Lyrically you're very social conscious and I'm sure they will provoke thoughts to those listening to them. Is there any lyrics you're more proud of? Why?
I like them all. I feel like they’re all pretty relevant. Even more now than when they were written.
gan: This one is for Roger, on the net I saw circulating a banner picturing Roger Miret saying "Never trust a hardcore kid that has never listened to punk rock". In a recent interview I asked Roma's PAYBACK to comment on this but I just wanna to hear the real opinion from the person quoted there. Can you please articulate more on this?
I think it says it all, Hardcore comes from Punk Rock and those are the direct roots. If you are going to claim something then know what it is about and at least try to get familiar with it's origin. The aggression, the outcry and the passion is all in the roots! And don't forget the struggle, don't forget your roots!
gan: Do you have plans as to tour Europe anytime soon?
No plans right now but we would like to get out there at some point.
gan: After many ages in the hardcore-punk scene, what propels you to keep going? And what's your overall view on current hardcore-punk scene/ culture?
Hardcore is my life. I love it. It is a constantly changing thing. With each new generation comes a different twist. I’ve seen some high points and some low but it always seems to regenerate itself.
gan: What hardcore-punk has taught you and what advice would you offer to the kids who are now getting involved?
It’s a lifestyle. Get involved with it. There’s no rules. You could be creative, constructive, active, whatever. From the bands to the fans and everything in between, we ARE the scene.
gan: Indeed this one is for the insted guys. Any chance you guys will reform?
Insted is not opposed to doing shows here and there if it makes sense but there is no chance they will ‘reform’.
gan: Okay that's really all. Thank you for taking some time out and reply my questions. Anything you wanna add?
Thanks for the interview. We certainly appreciate your interest in what we’re doing. Support the scene, spread the word. See you in the streets.
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