Happy Wave Wednesday, DIT! Kasey Chaos here, advocate of all that is hardcore and lover of general metally goodness. That being said, I can’t help but to notice all of the attention being garnered by the hardcore scene as of late. In lieu of the dead metalcore scene, some musicians tuned back up, learned a few more tricks other than a good sweep or a stomach-turning bass drop, and have found that nobody wants to hear songs based on horror movies and necrophilic romance right now. Growing steadily stronger in that place is some two-stepping riffs to get you moving, super-posi lyrics and a passionate feeling of community and brotherhood.

May I introduce: The Wave.

Firstly, Grand Rapids’ own, La Dispute. These guys have been around for quite a few years (since 2k5) with a sound that gradually grew from experimental, bordering thrashy and screamo at moments, to a more artsy, albeit catchy, and edgy post-hardcore. Their lyrics are completely outwardly focused, and members of the band show their creativity in more ways than just with La Dispute. With the 3 “Here, Hear…” concept albums, the members of the band each write a song completely, playing every instrument by themselves, and turn it over to the vocalist to lyricise. Impressive. They’ve gathered alot of attention over the past two years by being mentioned in AP two or three times, touring overseas twice, and hitting a couple national tours with well-known acts like alexisonfire, Thursday, and The Fall of Troy. You’ll also see on their myspace, on the left hand side, something I am completely proud and supportive of: their list of friend bands, venues, labels and artists. They’re huge on supporting their friends and community, which I dig to lengthless extents and feel is a good component to any artist.

Second, we have Boston’s own Defeater. Started in 2005, this Bridge Nine (hardcore record label having hosted well-known acts such as Have Heart, Verse and Terror)  band is, in my opinion, the band most mirroring the first wave of modern hardcore (not hardcore punk although there is definitely some punk influence) of the five wave bands. With a straight forward and hard-charged sound, this enviro-friendly band has been turning heads since they were called “the perfect definition of modern hardcore” by Lambgoat.com and since their record “Travels” had been cited by punknews.org as “a new artistic peak for hardcore”. It’s also cool as hell how many of them are up-front activists in their community and general life. Word up, check them out.

Next, we have Pianos Become the Teeth from Baltimore, MD. Started in 2006, this more emotional-melodic type of hardcore band has been partners with the Topshelf (Defeater, Into It. Over It., Castevet) record label since the end of 2009. A band who tours extensively and writes intensively, these guys have gotten attention from AP, Exclaim! and Indie Rock Reviews. And how! I was privileged enough to catch these guys when they came around on their Summer ’10 tour with local support (see photo blog). Being a band that’s more on the emotional side of hardcore, these guys are doing what they do extremely well and are very talented musicians. I was definitely not disappointed in their show and cannot WAIT until we get them back around here!

Bringing us to the only west coast band on the Wave, Touché Amoré. These Los Angeles-based guys just played the Sound and Fury Festival with fellow Wave bands, Defeater and Make Do and Mend. Another notch to add: they just got off tour with Bane and Strike Anywhere. Of the five wave bands, I believe TA shows their punk influence most. Making their place on No Sleep and 6131 records, this band shows much promise. They’ve done split releases with both La Dispute and Make Do and Mend, they also offer a 7″ demo and one full-length album. One quick glance through their myspace show photos will tell you that they seem to have a quite an enthusiastic crowd.

Back to the east coast: Make Do and Mend. From Connecticut’s capitol, this Panic Records band has been going at it since about 2007. Since 2009, they’ve toured like madmen and have put out two full length records on cd and vinyl. Being the only band on the wave with sung vocals, they do come across as less abrasive, but in no way less powerful. You can catch them around the area August 23 at Metal Frat in Ann Arbor.

Finally. Something to encompass and accommodate all of the eclectic and very segregated harder music scenes. I, for one, am EXCITED for this upcoming year. S’ya at the show.

resources:
http://www.myspace.com/michhardcore
http://michiganhardcore.onlinegoo.com/