Straphangers – “Contortionist”
It may be true that we have only a little over a handful of New York bands on our site but, and I know that Andy would agree, they’re all of very high quality.
Maybe it’s the big city influence or maybe it’s the history of the bands from there, of not only the original punk scene but the later New York heavy hardcore scene as well.
But whatever it is, today we’re focused on the Straphangers. A band that on their bandcamp uses the tags- hardcore, metal, NYHC, punk, thrash, punk, Queens. And you know, I think that kind of sums it all up for me.
They’re a five piece band from Queens, New York (Hey-ho, isn’t that where the R.I.P. Ramones were from?) They have two dames in the band (and girls rule!) Emily on vocals- it’s an anomaly to have a female singer either in a metal or hardcore band but she spits out as much venom as the gents, with a voice that reminds me a lot of black metal. And Brittany on guitar, ably sharing the guitar duties with Taras while the talented rhythm section of John on bass and Mike on drums (perfect old school New York accent) create a solid foundation.
Now, if I had to describe them I’d go with thrash metal/ hardcore but it’s kind of like splitting hairs (and I hate dissecting rabbits) as they have a foot equally in both camps.
I think I’ve forgotten to mention how great this band is no matter what style you decide they play and that their style is unique. Since they come from New York with a metal influence you might start thinking, “Oh, another heavy New York style hardcore band,” but you’d be wrong. One reason they’re different is because they have a female lead singer but more importantly they’re more pure metal and thrash metal influenced in style. Also, they combine all the genres we cover- punk, metal and hardcore and take all the best elements of each to work with.
But enough chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter about smut and smut and smut- let’s check out some tunes.
“Crawl Away” starts with some chugging, trebly bass work but soon the drums come crashing in at one hundred miles per hour along with the vocals forcefully breaking all entries and leaving no prisoners alive. Eventually, the tempo is pulled back but no let up in intensity. Then a metallic solo soars in overhead the thrashing beat but soon again we’re back into the safety zone. The songs ends with some low ringing chords, a cutting beat, vicious vocals and a feeling you’ve been hit by a bulldozer but you like it.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/04 – Crawl Away.mp3|titles=Crawl Away]
“Better Business” starts out with an ominous metal guitar chords over a moderate almost funky beat. “You get what you pay-for.” Emily growls with her snarling, gargling on glass voice while the boys in the back respond with the same in unison. Then the song kicks into a high-octane hardcore thrash with the drums chopping and rolling. Tables are overturned, all mayhem is breaking loose, like a fight scene in a saloon from an old cowboy movie. The guitars are sticking in stabs of sharp sound into the core of the song. A short interlude brings us back to the beginning while the aggression and heat increases and pounds on. My opinion is free but this song is priceless in its power, passion and perfection and is my favorite song on the album.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/05 – Better Business.mp3|titles=Better Business]
“Cage” starts with a strong beat and guitars shooting off aggressively on all sides. Then the song kicks in with a blasting hardcore rush with the vocals grabbing your ears and you, by the throat. “Room over your head/ But no one can save you from life in the cage.” After awhile an excellent, blistering metal solo shoots in like a lightening storm then the hardcore section is kicked effectively, up a notch. “Easy for your life when you don’t have to think.” It seems this song could be about security being a trap. Another equally good but less startling solo arrives from the heavens and then this great song ends like a steel trap closing shut.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/08 – Cage.mp3|titles=Cage]
“Man In White” starts with some majestic ringing guitars and rolling drums but it’s only a ruse to trick you into a false sense of calm. Soon we’re thrust headlong into hardcore/thrash land led by the impassioned, intense vocals. “Don’t trust the man in white/ The man of God, but no one really knows how he spends his days.” The beginning rolls in again with its dissonant resolutions showing some discord in heaven. But soon we’re back into hardcore/thrash nirvana. “That holy dollar seems to have its way.” I’m not positive, but it seems this song is about the priest/child molestation cases. The song ends with some headbanging guitar and drums backing up the chant of that first line. This song is perfect, poignant and powerful and a perfect example of how passionate and great, this cd truly is.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/10 – Man In White.mp3|titles=Man In White]
Being the “punk guy” of TNB you might guess that the metal influence of this band would turn me off, but listening to them only makes me think of the metal I really like such as Slayer or Sepultura. And I really like the Straphangers. I think they’re one of the best bands playing in New York right now.
And they’re playing next Saturday night, July 26th, at the Workshop in Quincy, MA. On one of the best bills of the year, I must add.
Check out this CD on bandcamp, check them out next Saturday night- I will.
And most importantly- check yourself before you wreck yourself!
(Slimedog)
