Western mass hardcore
Encyclopedia
Western Mass. Hardcore refers to the hardcore punk music scene in and around Amherst, Massachusetts
, in 1982-1984.
scenes began to develop in cities such as Washington DC, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Evolving from traditional punk music, hardcore punk also addressed social and political topics, although often using a much faster tempo than late-70's punk music. Local hardcore scenes sprang up in many smaller East Coast cities during this period.
By 1982, the Western Mass college scene, which had seen several punk bands emerge in the late 70's such as The Vandalz and 8th Route Army, had spawned a small hardcore scene. Less rigidly defined than the Straight Edge
Boston scene, several bands and a number of characters would hang out and play at practice spaces, dorm rooms, and basements as local bars were reluctant to book all ages shows. A landmark show at Greenfield's Guiding Star Grange
hall in January of 1983 saw four local bands and four Boston bands play for hundreds of kids over several hours. There was no security, no bouncers, and no problems. Many other shows were arranged after this show, and hardcore punk bands from all over the country eventually played in Western Mass.
- Probably the most well-known band, members J Mascis and Lou Barlow later went on to form Dinosaur Jr
and Sebadoh
. Their "Reconstructing the Border of Crumbs" 45 is a major collectible item today, with original pressings selling for over $200. All talented musicians, their live shows included instrument switching and drum-kit destruction by drummer J Mascis
.
The Outpatients- Featuring the Helland brothers (Eric a.k.a Vis, and Scott), formerly of local heavy metal favorites "Mace", and Mike Kingsbury. Their first release, "The Basement Tapes" was recorded in one take. Bass player Scott Helland was also in Deep Wound, and is still active in the music industry today as part of Frenchy and the Punk formerly The Gypsy Nomads
.
All White Jury- The band chose the ironic name from a short list simply because it was a name that was likely to provoke discussion. Composed of former Vandal Mike Huntoon, future Dinosaur Jr drummer Murph, and University of Massachusetts students Scott Parmenter and S. Bollen, the band was mostly known for Bollen's mohawk haircut, a relative novelty for the time and place. Their cassette "Apathetic Society" was the top-selling local release for several consecutive weeks according to the May 1983 issues of the Valley Advocate.
Brain Injured Unit (BIU)- Composed of high school students from Northfield Mount Hermon School, BIU played several shows at the Guiding Star Grange and throughout Western Mass in 1983 and 1984. Their only recorded appearances were a self-released 7-song cassette and the song "System Addiction" which was featured on the Barricaded Suspects compilation LP.
Springfield's 08th Route Army put on a large show with supporting acts The Proletariat
and All White Jury.
In between shows, practice spaces and dorm parties at Hampshire College
and Smith College
were places to hang out and rehearse. Growing Concern, a fanzine published by Maxwell Volume, contained interviews with local and touring bands, and was eagerly awaited each month.
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the largest community in Hampshire County . The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts...
, in 1982-1984.
Origins
In the very early 1980's, hardcore punkHardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
scenes began to develop in cities such as Washington DC, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Evolving from traditional punk music, hardcore punk also addressed social and political topics, although often using a much faster tempo than late-70's punk music. Local hardcore scenes sprang up in many smaller East Coast cities during this period.
By 1982, the Western Mass college scene, which had seen several punk bands emerge in the late 70's such as The Vandalz and 8th Route Army, had spawned a small hardcore scene. Less rigidly defined than the Straight Edge
Straight edge
Straight edge is a subculture of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. It was a direct reaction to the sexual revolution, hedonism, and excess associated with punk rock. For some, this extends to not engaging in promiscuous sex, following a...
Boston scene, several bands and a number of characters would hang out and play at practice spaces, dorm rooms, and basements as local bars were reluctant to book all ages shows. A landmark show at Greenfield's Guiding Star Grange
Guiding Star Grange
The Guiding Star Grange, located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, was the first grange organized in the state in 1873. It is one of the few local Grange associations in New England with a steadily growing membership and vibrant community....
hall in January of 1983 saw four local bands and four Boston bands play for hundreds of kids over several hours. There was no security, no bouncers, and no problems. Many other shows were arranged after this show, and hardcore punk bands from all over the country eventually played in Western Mass.
The Bands
Deep WoundDeep Wound
Deep Wound was a hardcore punk band formed in 1982 in Westfield, MA. They released one self-titled 7" and contributed two songs to the compilation LP, Bands That Could Be God, both of which are sought after by fans and record collectors alike.-Overview:...
- Probably the most well-known band, members J Mascis and Lou Barlow later went on to form Dinosaur Jr
Dinosaur Jr
Dinosaur Jr. is an American alternative rock band formed in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1984. Originally called Dinosaur, prior to legal issues that forced the group to change their name, the band disbanded in 1997 until reuniting in 2005...
and Sebadoh
Sebadoh
Sebadoh is an American indie rock band, formed in 1986 in Westfield, Massachusetts by Eric Gaffney and Dinosaur Jr bass player Lou Barlow. Along with such bands as Pavement and Guided by Voices, Sebadoh helped pioneer lo-fi music, a style of indie rock characterized by low-fidelity recording...
. Their "Reconstructing the Border of Crumbs" 45 is a major collectible item today, with original pressings selling for over $200. All talented musicians, their live shows included instrument switching and drum-kit destruction by drummer J Mascis
J Mascis
J Mascis is an American musician, best known as the singer, guitarist and songwriter for Dinosaur Jr.. In 2011, he was ranked in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.- Biography :...
.
The Outpatients- Featuring the Helland brothers (Eric a.k.a Vis, and Scott), formerly of local heavy metal favorites "Mace", and Mike Kingsbury. Their first release, "The Basement Tapes" was recorded in one take. Bass player Scott Helland was also in Deep Wound, and is still active in the music industry today as part of Frenchy and the Punk formerly The Gypsy Nomads
The Gypsy Nomads
Frenchy and the Punk, formerly The Gypsy Nomads, are a Euro-American musical duo from New York. Their non-traditional eclectic mix of musical styles has elements of cabaret, gypsy, celtic and Steampunk. Formed in 2005, the duo consists of French born singer and percussionist Samantha Stephenson...
.
All White Jury- The band chose the ironic name from a short list simply because it was a name that was likely to provoke discussion. Composed of former Vandal Mike Huntoon, future Dinosaur Jr drummer Murph, and University of Massachusetts students Scott Parmenter and S. Bollen, the band was mostly known for Bollen's mohawk haircut, a relative novelty for the time and place. Their cassette "Apathetic Society" was the top-selling local release for several consecutive weeks according to the May 1983 issues of the Valley Advocate.
Brain Injured Unit (BIU)- Composed of high school students from Northfield Mount Hermon School, BIU played several shows at the Guiding Star Grange and throughout Western Mass in 1983 and 1984. Their only recorded appearances were a self-released 7-song cassette and the song "System Addiction" which was featured on the Barricaded Suspects compilation LP.
The Scene
The fall of 1982 and the spring of 1983 saw the first wave of bands playing most of their shows. Large shows at the Guiding Star Grange in January and May were most noteworthy, and featured:- SS Decontrol
- Adrenalin O.D.Adrenalin O.D.Adrenalin O.D. was a popular hardcore punk band from New Jersey that existed from 1981 to 1990. They are best known for playing extremely fast music accompanied by humorous lyrics.-History:...
(from New Jersey) - Crucifix (from San Francisco)
- The FU's
- DYSDYSDYS can mean the following:*DYS — a straight edge band, or their self-titled album DYS*Department of Youth Services*Dys, Poland*the 3-letter abbreviation for Dystos, a Greek municipality...
- Impact Unit
- Deep WoundDeep WoundDeep Wound was a hardcore punk band formed in 1982 in Westfield, MA. They released one self-titled 7" and contributed two songs to the compilation LP, Bands That Could Be God, both of which are sought after by fans and record collectors alike.-Overview:...
- The Outpatients
- Da Stupids
- All White Jury
- BIU
Springfield's 08th Route Army put on a large show with supporting acts The Proletariat
The Proletariat
The Proletariat was a punk band from Fall River, Massachusetts. They were active during the 1980s in the Boston Hardcore scene, despite their recorded output having a decidedly non-hardcore sound; The Proletariat show more strongly the musical influences of bands such as Wire, and Gang of Four in...
and All White Jury.
In between shows, practice spaces and dorm parties at Hampshire College
Hampshire College
Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1965 as an experiment in alternative education, in association with four other colleges in the Pioneer Valley: Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts...
and Smith College
Smith College
Smith College is a private, independent women's liberal arts college located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is the largest member of the Seven Sisters...
were places to hang out and rehearse. Growing Concern, a fanzine published by Maxwell Volume, contained interviews with local and touring bands, and was eagerly awaited each month.