Live Fast, Die Fast – “The End Of What We Know”
With all the awesome hardcore bands coming out of New York, I may have to rent an apartment in the Big Apple just to keep track of all their great music. NYHC is definitely the real deal and a tour de force in the present day world of hardcore. In all honesty, I have yet to hear a NY hardcore band I haven’t liked. I know that’s a rather strong statement, and it begs the question, “So how many NY hardcore bands have you heard?” And my answer would be, definitely not enough, but so far I like what I’m hearing.
One such NY band that really knows how to bring the old-school hardcore loud and proud hails from Long Island and goes by the name: Live Fast, Die Fast. Formed back in 2008, members; vocalist Paul Turano, drummer Marc DiVito, guitarists Lenny Leonardi and Rich Allegretta and bassist Nickel Yeomans were drawn together out of a burning desire to save what they believe is “true hardcore”. Thank goodness for that.
In the fall of 2010, Terror Bomb Records signed LFDF prompting the band to create a full length record produced by Mike Gallo (Agnostic Front), and released in the Summer of 2011 with guest vocal appearances from Vinny Stigma and Rik Jimenez (Soldiers, This Is Hell). The resultant effort was no less than an 11 track masterpiece of raw hardcore passion and excitement titled, “The End Of What We Know”. Let’s dive straight into the mosh pit and check out a few of my favorite tracks.
“Only The Strong Survive” appropriately kicks off all the action with a slow driving primordial drum beat that gives way to sneering and snarling guitar riffs. Truly an anthem for the hardcore ages, exuding tenacity and perseverance over the struggles for survival; for the survival of NYHC, for the survival of hardcore everywhere, and perhaps even for the survival of everything, everywhere. Never give up, never give in (…until we die). Who says music doesn’t have a message.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 Only The Strong Survive.mp3|titles=Only The Strong Survive]“Call To Action” is an awesome straight ahead romp embodying all the exciting elements required of a solid hardcore tune. High speed driving guitar riffs spurred on by insane drumming and, of course, the trademark monotonic inflected hardcore vocals spouted with urgency and to perfection by Paul Turano. Can’t hold back any longer, I must mosh!
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02 Call To Action.mp3|titles=Call To Action]“Seenster” keeps the ball rolling with even more hardcore fun and excitement. The music, the message, never will it fade away… Fully equipped with cool timing changes that are perfect for stage diving into the circling mosh pit below. This is crazy Dewey, I think I’ve ruined another pair of pants…
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/08 Seenster.mp3|titles=Seenster]“The Roadless Traveled”, arguably my favorite tune, is all about being on the outside looking in. A powerful driving anthem with high speed hardcore action and fist pumping choruses. Now stop your hemmin’ and get out there and smash into someone.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/10 The Roadless Traveled.mp3|titles=The Roadless Traveled]Great stuff!! With any luck, “The End Of What We Know”, will turn into the beginning of all there is to know. Congratulations to Live Fast, Die Fast for putting out a totally sick hardcore album. I take great solace in knowing that our beloved hardcore is being kept safe in such good hands.
Be sure to get a copy of “The End Of What We Know” for yourself and also make sure you’re front and center at the Midway Cafe on July 15 to check out Live Fast, Die Fast LIVE.
(Andy Bang)
