Gag Reflex - Warhorse Tape Demo

Ah yes, the infamous Gag Reflex. This was another treasure Adriana dug up so much thanks to her. This tape is fucking great, rather than explain it I'll let Brian do it:

"I wrote the music in 2003 and 2004 and the demo tape was released in 2004. This was a real fun time for tacoma. We had a big house show scene and a myriad of incestuous bands and humorous side projects. To get that authentic 80's sound I got Tony Wolfe to play drums. He is a guitar player, not a drummer and is completely awful at drums to this day. At the time I was listening to alot of Antidote, Cause for Alarm, The Abused and Agnostic Front. Jay Tichy was my roommate at the time. It made sense for him to play guitar. He was really into the influences but not so much the songs. At first he was just excited to play music but it was always a struggle to keep him interested in the band. Most people these days know Adam Barnes as the vocalist from Marrow and Greyskull, but growing up I knew him as this mad bass player in a band called Divinity of Truth. Tacoma was really living in a weird hc commune around 04. All the punk houses were really connected and getting Adam Barnes to play bass just furthered the connections between the houses and bands.

The band was not serious, purposefully generic and full of inside jokes. Our tireless advocacy of Tacoma's merits kind of elevated us as a flagship band for that era of Tacoma HC. Most people outside of Tacoma thought the band was horrible and ridiculous. But in Tacoma it was this whole other thing. Rightly so, the band was ridiculous.

We had 3-4 songs that we were playing live towards the end that never got recorded. I had a vision of releasing an LP with only a cover of TURBONEGRO's - I GOT ERECTION on the B side. I kinda wish this had happened. Jay swears that I had unused songs from the demo recording session but I must have never gotten the mix from the studio because we can't find them anywhere. I remember when I recorded the demo I did all the music in a couple hours and made plans to come back later in the week for the vocals. The engineer forgot I was coming and had booked this christian indie rock band to record. I did all my vocals in front of them in about 30 minutes and left. They were totally weirded out.

We had one tape, one shirt and did one tour. The tour was with Owen Hart, Sidetracked & Gag Reflex. Adam Barnes has always been the Owen Hart roadie so 3 bands with only a handful of members. I don't really remember to much standing out about the tour but If I went through the flyers and pictures I am sure it would start coming back. We played a show with Rambo in 2005. I opened our set with a Paul Bearer classic "your mother's got aids"... Rambo was staying at Adam Barnes house and somehow didn't make the connection that he was in the band. I guess they were just calling me a total piece of shit and giving diatribes to the housemates about what is wrong with hc these days.

Gag Reflex ended somewhere around 2006. Jay left the band because he was distraught that people enjoyed his joke band more than his serious efforts. The joke might have ended for Jay, but it lives on in the rest of our hearts.

TACOMA!"

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In Stride - Total Demonstration Tape

God damn. I know I said that I felt like each In Stride release was better than what it was preceded by but when I really search my feelings THIS TAPE will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. In 2005 and 2006 In Stride was pretty much just my favorite band. Along with Blue Monday and Go It Alone (Not as much GIA because they got so big) I felt the bands from Vancouver were fucking amazing and had exceptional lyrics that were often overlooked. In Stride fits this definition for me for sure. READ THE LYRIC INSERT AND LISTEN TO IT OFTEN. This tape fucking rules. I would also like to take this space to thank Chad for being an incredibly sincere and awesome person. He is always down to listen, have fun, and is just an incredibly real individual. Who else moshes so hard to Sunset Riders they get a heart attack then later while playing says the doctor told him to take it easy so he goes crazier than ever? No one I know.



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In Stride - 3 Song Demo 2005

Man, 2005 was the year for In Stride. More information in my next post.





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Media Mind - 1313 EP

Seven more tracks from Seattle's Media Mind before their unfortunate split. I am so bummed it took me until after the split for me to get my hands on these recordings, they used to play all these songs live all the time and I got to know them through seeing them so often. The EP starts of with "Disgrace to the Scene" which is definitely the standalone track for me. "Self Destruct Sequence" is really interesting and makes me wish there were lyrics to accompany it. "City of Ash" is a re-recorded version of "Coffins" from the first demo but it doesn't seem like much has changed in the song. "The Deep Sleep" is a somber song and "Taphophiles" is fucking awesome. The last two tracks are re-recorded versions of songs from Prescriptions. Enjoy. I sure do miss Media Mind.





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Romantika + Media Mind - Unreleased Tapes

Thanks a lot to James for compiling this tape for me. It contains seven tracks from Romantika of a demo never released and some of the last recorded material Media Mind ever made, 11 tracks of unreleased gold. I'll start with Romantika: I'm not sure who is in it but I know Chad from In Stride, Consequence Crew and Dichotomy sings for it. This tape is incredibly good, it's unlike any other act from the area I have ever heard. I'm not sure what the aim of the project is but it reminds me a lot of late 70s Swedish punk (think Ander Angest), melody over gruff vocals. It's really, really good, I highly recommend downloading it, I have been listening to it over and over. Great for skating or just walking around. Next we have 11 Media Mind tracks. I didn't even know these tracks existed until after the last show (which was awesome by the way) but some of them were released on the 1313 EP which I'll put up next. These practice recordings contain four songs from the new ep, three tracks from Prescriptions, one track from the first demo and three never before heard songs! The last two songs unreleased songs they played pretty frequently live, one is a jammer and the other one they referred to a few times as their 'street punk' song. The first unreleased song I had never heard before so it was a real treat. Enjoy!

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Dangers - Demo Tape

I used to go back and forth on this band a lot but I am pretty sure that I like them. It's not anything negative, I really like the lyrics and think the band is incredibly creative the music just isn't my thing as much sometimes. This demo is pretty damn sweet though. There is a lot of diversity packed into this little six track tape. I'm trying to think of the first Dangers show I went to... I think it was right around when they first started touring and the show was threatened because of the song "Neo Neo Nazis" which is on the 7" I'll put up later. Al Brown has always been super nice and helpful and has supported my bands while on tour so here's a little support back... although I think Dangers is broken up now? I haven't seen them play in forever. I'm probably not giving this release the time or attention it deserves right now, it has a lot to offer. Give it a listen for yourself, my head's a little jumbled.

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Sex Video - Sex Video Demo

Adriana held onto a lot of really sick things that many of us got rid of. This was one of them. I remember seeing the Sex Vid tapes at phantom city when they first came out and thinking they were an Evergreen hipster band. I missed out. I did buy the seven inch when it came out though and that goes for some dollars now. Pretty wild. This tape is really interesting to look back on. Sex Vid definitely has a 'sound' now, this tape almost sounds like a different band. Fast and chaotic with an almost contemporary feel (think career suicide). The only comparison I can draw right now on the spot is a really cranked up Artificial Peace. Download and enjoy. Also sorry about the rip it seems this tape was recorded mono.

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Dehumanized - Dehumanized Tape

Oh yeah, I got permission to put the new Dehumanized tape up and boy is it wild. Sorry to say the old tape still must remain coveted. This tape sees Dehumanized definitely pursuing a more metal direction, much longer song lengths, much grittier, interludes and intros, and gross sounding vocals. This tape is great. James said he pretty much has the direction for Dehumanized already planned in terms of releases. One of his comments was something along the lines of 'I just want the dirtiest, grossest sounding music I can make'. Enjoy this gem. Members of Outlook, Foot Fetish?, In Debt, Insubordinate, The Crazies, Stop At Nothing, Scary Man and White Wards.



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Grimace - Mustard Gas and Roses EP

Holy shit. If you liked the previous Grimace tape you're gonna love this. It's all the songs from the previous tape plus five more, sorry no tracklist or insert. I guess these are the unmastered tracks that are going to be pressed to a 7" soon. I apologize for the quiet rips it's real bass heavy and I was unable to rip it any louder without it sounding like a jumbled mess. Malcolm really came into his own with his vocals this tape. They sound fucking awesome. Play flip and repeat over and over.

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Grimace - 40oz of Hate

I didn't think it could get better than White Ambassador but the Distract kids cranked out a new project that is wonderful. This Grimace tape blasts through five tracks of hardcore the way it should be. It's safe to say that Grimace is my favorite band as of now. Breakneck speeds, occasional stomp, and critical and poignant lyrics blend to create a tape that I flip over and over and over again. "Tourist" and "Salesmen" are stand out tracks for me.



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Trainyard - S/T Cassette

That's right everyone, Trainyard is back. We played a show at Aggression fest accompanied by the first real material we have ever had in our existence as a band. North Korean tour shirts, sweatpants and cassettes in hand we took the Olympia Eagles Hall basement by storm. In usual cursed Trainyard fashion about a week after we decided to play a show I broke my hand and had to have surgery. I got my cast off and three days later played the show. My hand is still swollen to this day. Anyhow the tape just has all our recorded material to date but remastered which you can download here. We spent almost three years recording a full length that was then scrapped. We want to do these songs justice and will be re-recording them soon for our own listening pleasure. Enjoy the return while you can. I still have a couple tapes so email me if you want one.

Outlook full lengths are here!

That's right. Like I said, Outlook is on to big things. The tracks are nuts! Everywhere from breakneck speed hardcore to straight up prog rock. Lp will be available soon and they're heading out on an almost two month full US tour in the next couple months. Check out their website for more information.

Outlook - Vision

New Tape from Olympia's OUTLOOK! It features three tracks from the upcoming full length and three crazy, dynamic tracks exclusive to the tape. The download only includes the tape tracks as Outlook is saving the lp tracks for its release. I hand wrote on all the tapes so anyone that picked up a copy better enjoy that personal flair. This tape is ridiculously good. Outlook is on to big things.





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Dead Weight - The Age Of I

Wow, I had seen Dead Weight a few times before I heard the tape but did not expect the quality to be so damn good. A Blitz and Antidote cover had me hooked the first show I saw. I believe it was a show I was playing in Red & Black and White Wards at the Pheonix House. Plus Chris and Brian have always been super supportive of all my projects so I was turned onto the band positively from the get-go. The demo is really good, there is some serious vocals and Cro-Mags riffage in "Marine Layer" and some real catchy tunes on this release. I have a feeling this band will get pretty damn big.



Members of Lahar, Ill Intent, Champion, and Sojourner.

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Sojourner - Blunt Block Cassette

Anyone with the tired argument Hardcore is so cliche, uncreative, rip-off after rip-off, not worth listening to, limited, and one trend after another ad infinitum has obviously never heard Sojourner. This release is fucking wild... I can't explain it... you really have to listen to it. The tape opens up with "Minutes to Miles" which is anything but a conventional hardcore formula and is my favorite track on the tape. "Penny For My Thoughts" is great and features a spoken 108/strife/90s-esque part that almost sounds sampled then leads into a Devo cover; a pleasant surprise. The track thank you I had to listen to a few times when I heard it. Listen to it and imagine giving cookie monster cookie after cookie. Expectations is also a good track but leads into the oddest track of the tape... over five minutes of Brian saying I feel Everything. Next is Happiness... you'll have to listen to that one yourself to describe it too. Keep up the good work. Sojourner continues to put out fantastic music. Featuring Meatloaf on the cover.





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Consequence Crew - Demo Tape

Fuck yes, Chad(of In Stride and Dichotomy)'s new project. This stuff is great. I got to see them at In Stride's reunion show a little while back and they have been playing a lot more recently. Also has Andy of Keep It Clear playing guitar. Enjoy



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Hysterics Tour Tape

A quick follow up is the Hysterics tour tape they made before touring earlier this year. It's the same songs as the 7" but on a tape and I don't think they are mastered, it may or may not sound the same as my 7" rip, you be the judge. Hysterics is embarking on another tour in I think February so hit them up if you want em' to play your area.

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Hysterics S/T 7"

So I know it's been a while but I got my receiver fixed. Now I will be ripping tapes and records I've been wanting to rip for a while and periodically putting them up here so keep posted! First off... here it is for all those awaiting its arrival the magnificent Hysterics 7". This release is fucking great. New songs not previously on the demo tape are "Correct Me" and "Hanging Out At the 512" a lengthy jammer dedicated to the 512 park and ride in all its glory. I spent many a day there myself riding up to Tacoma or Seattle to skate or stay with friends. If anyone isn't familiar with the park and ride, buses are frequently late, it's the only place to catch buses to and from olympia to tacoma or seattle, it's surrounded by shitty fast food chains and its only redeeming value is a 7-11 a block down to get slurpees. It is hilarious and awesome, for some reason it always conjures to mind Deep Wound's "Let's Go to the Mall" even though it really isn't comparative; Hysterics doesn't switch instruments, is much tighter, and the track is actually good to listen to. "Correct Me" is great and may be my current favorite song if "Sunk" wasn't so damn good. Stephie does drums on this recording and it makes the tracks way better than the previous material. Shannon now plays drums for Hysterics and the same can be said for her drumming. Great stuff, enjoy.







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Waste Management - Power Abuse 7"

New release from Waste Management of Boston. This is absolutely great; as good as contemporary hardcore can get in my eyes. I wish I lived in Boston. My only criticism is the really 'weenie' sounding break in the first track 'Power Abuse'. I don't know why I don't like it, the song is so awesome up until that point then gets all whimpy. Aside from that this is fucking awesome. The artwork reminds me of Agnostic Front 'Cause For Alarm' era, I love it. 'Mind War', 'Solitude', and 'Too Much Unity' are stand out tracks for me.
Please keep it coming Waste Man.







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Put To Death - S/T 7"

Shit, sorry I know it has been quite a while but now the weather is getting poor again so you may see more popping up here. I have quite a lot I want to put on here. This first addition is a new project from CC of Mind Eraser. The record is what you would expect from that last sentence. Definitely worth a listen.







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Rainy Days

If you haven't yet, check out my other blog with my favorite non-contemporary hardcore releases. I put up some of my favorite hardcore records here and there, when and what I post is entirely arbitrary. Rainy Days

Get Destroyed - S/T 7"

A really great first release based out of Arizona. I haven't heard anything about this band since around 2007 but I heard a rumor that they still occasionally play shows in their hometown? If anyone knows of any other material besides the comp track let me know. Good powerviolence worship.






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Waste Management - Waste Taste 2010

Waste Man does it again with this fucking great release. This tape is an early release of a 7" coming out and contains a live set on the B side. I was so pumped to hear more from this band and was not disappointed. Great music.




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