No Cure XXX sponsors fighter, Crucify 2023 Demo and more
As we know it, hardcore is experiencing a contemporary leak into pop culture. While I agree the subgenre would never submerge into the pop world, its difficult to ignore its impact. In the history of heavy, alternative music, hardcore is a persistent influence, directly or indirectly. It’s evolution is the extension of other external influences while maintaining core values and characteristics. Still, despite the relevant time period, the genre remains true to its tradition across the world. More local bands forming from city to city, connections are one click away, kids either flying or haul ass to the next sold out festival. Its in the paradoxical stage where the bigger it gets, the smaller it becomes. Nonetheless, its authenticity lives in the hearts of the individuals.
No Cure XXX sponsors fighter
Fred Weaver
For a little while, I would’ve assumed hardcore or hardcore adjacent genres would cross paths into the fighting world, fighters being the initial confluence. A few years ago, I discovered a handful of MMA fighters neck deep in their respective scenes or listened to hardcore. One of the first fighters I can recall was UK fighter Dan Hardy. I can’t remember his opponent during the fight, but he executed a leg kick, exposing the Blood for Blood tattoo on the side of his calf. It made sense to me then and even more now; the aggression of the music transitioning for the pit to the ring. From there on, there a couple of other examples of MMA fighters bringing awareness to their HC roots but I didn’t pay much attention.
Fast forward 2023. Alabama’s straight edge band NO CURE announced they are sponsoring Fred Weaver, boxer fighting out of Birmingham, Alabama. Upon looking up Weaver, I discovered he had a career in MMA before transitioning to boxing. I always wonder what skills in MMA can be useful in particular ring. Weighing at 185 lbs, 5’ 10 in height and a record of 2-3, he is scheduled to fight tonight at the Bartow Arena in Birmingham against Andrew Stewart. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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Crucify 2023 Demo
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It’s nothing short of refreshing when new, young energy enters hardcore, although “new” wouldn’t be the best way to describe DFW’s latest spawn, Crucify. Collectively, this band has been in the pit 10x more than any current newcomer. Featuring members from the beloved Martin family ( Liv on vocals and Ian on drums), Crucify is a energetic quintet with distinguishable energy. Their 2023 demo cradles a ton of personality, perfect for the direction the genre is heading towards. Sonically, I keyed in to the traditional elements of hardcore punk with a mean streak of components found in “tough guy” hardcore. The blended effort creates a fitting conglomerate of two- steps, thrashy, circle pits vibes and moshtastic breakdowns. Wrapped with a ribbon of attitude and spunk from Liv’s vocal cords, Crucify is a fun TXHC band folks need to pay attention. Their bonus track , Trailblazer, pays homage to the late Olan Martin as it seems to pick up from where Kinky Bastards left off. Fast rock and rock with a HC attitude and an outlaw soul. Tap the image above to give them a listen.
Flyover Fest Update
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Right now there are two kinds of people in hardcore today: those who attended Sound and Fury and those who didn’t attend Sound and Fury. Some folks maybe attending TIHC right now as we speak. Either way, 2020’s hardcore has induced the notion to host a large number of fests through out the year. In other words, if you miss a huge fest, wait two weeks and there will be a smaller fest. Wait a month and you can attend another enormous fest. Even if you are broke, there is no reason, other than sheer laziness or lack of interest, for an true HC kid to miss a fest.
With that said, Flyover Fest in Tulsa is the next fest coming up you should attend. On August 1, they dropped the entire lineup, including heavy hitting headliners Twitching Tongues, God’s Hate, and King Nine. This is an amazing lineup by far. Some of the best from all across the nation will be in the South once again in the middle of OKHC, a growing scene as whole consisting of some really heavy bands. Tickets are extremely limited, they have been flying off the shelves, nearly sold out. Get them while you can by tap the images.
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