14 Songs by DC Native Bands Finally Released
Author: Ash Newton
On January 18th, Second Street Records released Future Left Behind, a compilation of 14 songs by DC bands spanning hardcore and beyond. The release lined up with a weekend of shows celebrating the record, including acts like Mouthpiece, Glitterer, Grand Scheme, and many others. In tandem, the shows and the record combine to illustrate both the marked diversity of the DC underground and the closeness of the community.
Brain Tourniquet opens the compilation with a blindingly quick burst of powerviolence on “Sunk”, clocking in at a brief 21 seconds. The song oscillates between a rapid blast section and slow, swirling refrain as vocalist, guitarist, and grind maestro Connor Donegan growls, “You had it all until you sunk into the bottom,” a line that mirrors the apocalyptic finality of a title like Future Left Behind. It’s over in a blink, but the song sets the tone of the compilation: exacting in its brutality.
The third track, “Marriage Proposal” by screamo rockers Expiration Date, sits in heavy contrast as the longest song on the release. The band don’t waste time with their 2 minutes and 57 seconds, though; coming out the gate with a hypnotic groove led by current fill-in bassist Joseph Cunningham, who also performs vocals in area metalcore act Denouement. Also notable is drummer Julian Friesinger’s ride cymbal rhythm, which acts as the tense heartbeat of the song as the melodic intro transitions into a frantic double-time. The lyrics chronicle a failing relationship, hitting its pinnacle with the refrain of “I changed for you,” complete with gang vocals mirroring many of the straightforward hardcore cuts on the record. Expiration Date are able to pay respects to the community that built them while still operating within their own unique brand of intense and vulnerable emo.
It’s prescient, then, that legends Grand Scheme follow after with “Final Say”, a pummeling exhibition of hardcore excellence. Though the vocals are a bit muddled beneath roaring guitar, the song delivers a defining final stand for Grand Scheme, as after their performance at St. Stephen’s on the 18th, they officially disbanded. It’s another short one, barely surpassing a minute, but it manages to build to something meaningful in that time, supported by an ear-catching staccato riff that starts and stops with precision.
Deliriant Nerve’s “Ultraviolet Vice” promises more brutality, though it’s a slight departure from their usual blast-heavy grindcore sound, instead favoring an upfront d-beat. The fuzzy bass tone that opens the track absolutely commands it, leading the menacing breakdown at the song’s close. In a vicious one-two punch, Pray to Be Saved follows after with “Bloodlust”, a full-fledged d-beat war cry about “never ending bloodlust”, and unnamed powers “slaughtering millions”, transforming lives into “human fuel”. These songs form the bleakest moments on the record, supported by impressive, undanceable BPMs.
However, the tone bounces back immediately. Posicion Unida are next with “Nueva Realidad”, sharing its title with the band’s new EP, released the day prior on January 16th by Rebirth Records. That day, the band shared a bill with straight edge greats, including Line of Sight and legends Mouthpiece, and they channel a legacy of positivity on their contribution. Posicion’s unshakeable sincerity stands in relief against some of the despairing depths explored on Future Left Behind; the lyrics of “Nueva Realidad” rally behind the cry of “stand up!”, as vocalist Elita Najera affirms that the past is no longer, and we have a duty to persist.
Some songs blur together – Retain’s “Face 2 Face”, Seclusion’s “Lion’s Den”, and Sluggo’s “Abomination” are all urgent, growly, and mosh-forward, filling out much of the back of the album. “Face 2 Face” stands out the most with its infectious, riffy breakdown in the second half, but even if they follow a formula, all three tracks are perfectly serviceable, instead demonstrating the unity and shared inspirations of the local scene.
White Horses’ self-titled song closes the compilation. It’s grimy and quick, at only 45 seconds, and while its classic hardcore groove does successfully encapsulate the sound and spirit of DC and Future Left Behind, the song fails to build momentum in its final moments and ends with an awkward fade.
There’s an oppressive darkness to much of Future Left Behind. With few exceptions, its hardcore tracks are wrathful floor-stompers; its grindier songs are rapid and brutal; even in its sole positive moment, the record can’t help but dwell on a history of pain and oppression. Its title points to a better world now made impossible. In a political climate like today’s, in a city at the epicenter of power, Future Left Behind tells the story of people who, even at our strongest, brought together by a shared community and love of music, can only pick up the pieces.
Author: Ash Newton | Second Street Records