Youth Of Today

[ Record & show reviews ]

Record reviews:
s/t a.k.a. Disengage 7" - Through These Eyes
	Real old-school hardcore, right here- this is what it's all about. This 7" contains three very short, very fast songs, filled with energy and emotion. If it doesn't get you moving (or at least singing along), you're probably dead. When this was recorded, hardcore was in its growing stages, and everything being played sounded a lot like this record does- fast, simple, loud, and raw. What really brings out the sense of hardcore, at least for me, are Ray Cappo's vocals- they're so intense, so desperate, so urgent. That's what hardcore used to be completely based on- a need for change, a pro-active philosophy. Nowadays, it's difficult to find a band who believes in hardcore like YOT did, and who are able to convey that strength of belief. There are still a lot of old-school bands out there, but these guys got their message across without a doubt. That's rare, especially today. Pick up this record, damnit- it has the potential to re- define hardcore for you. [GOrDon] 9/10 (Well, it's only a three-song 7", and they're not long songs … but they're all so good.)
s/t a.k.a. Disengage 7" - cDc Core
As THE band of the modern straight-edge movement, Youth of Today were often compared to MINOR THREAT. Like MT, Youth of Today have released a posthumous 3 song 7" that seems to say, "It was fun, but now we're gone, good bye." I have no idea when this was recorded (the record has "The Washout Sessions" etched in the middle), but I think it's the best thing YOT ever did. The songs are pretty much in the vein of the earlier stuff, but the playing is solid. There're a few things here and there that make it sound almost like JUDGE, these songs are more distinct than those of previous days. The best part of this record is the great production. Everything is clear and powerful, unlike the "We're Not In This Alone" album, where you can't even hear the bass and drums. There're some good old photos of the band, including Ray reading some Hare Krishna literature on the van, and a very cute looking Sammy. (He couldn't have been a day older than 13.) The lyrics are just a preview of what would soon come with SHELTER.
We're Not In This Alone LP - Alternative Press 7/95 p.96
	Rated #76 in AP's list of the `Top 99 Of '85-'95'. One of the most important records of the past decade. Youth Of Today changed tens of thousands of lives with their blast-first approach to straightedge hardcore. This record is still the most often-used reference point in the genre ...
Live At Van Hall , Amsterdam 7" - MRR #162
	These guys need no introduction. This is a legitimate release of some live recordings from a show in Amsterdam, recorded in March 1989. The sound quality is so-so, the drums and guitar practically bury everything from time to time, but the energy from their performance is still there, especially in songs like "Can't Close My Eyes", "Standing Hard", and even in their covers of "Minor Threat (MINOR THREAT), and "Malfunction" (CRO-MAGS). Seven songs in all, all of 'em hardcore classics nonetheless. There's also a history and lyrics enclosed with this package, not to mention it's on gray vinyl. A lot of effort was put into this release. If you're a fan of Y.O.T. you'll be pleased, or if you're just discovering them, check this out.
Cant' Close My Eyes LP - rockzone.com web zine
	Without a doubt, one of the most influential hardcore bands ever is Youth Of Today. Hailing out of Connecticut in the late 80s, Youth Of Today captured the new generation of hardcore listeners, and taught them the ways of "clean living" (Also know as straight edge.) Their debut album, "Can't Close My Eyes," was originally released on Kevin Seconds (singer of 7 Seconds) "Positive Force" label as a 7"; however, it has been out of print for 6 years now. Thanks to Revelation Records, this album is back, with 5 extra tracks for your listening pleasure. This album features their original lineup: Ray Of Today; vocals, John Porcelly; Guitar, Graham Phillups; Bass, and Darren Pesce; drums. Youth Of Today's music can be described as Pissed off-traditional hardcore with a positive massage. While listening to this band, one can't help it, but move around. It's hardcore the way it was meant to be. Can't close my eyes has 14 in-yer-face hardcore songs. Some of my favorites are "Positive Outlook," which is about having a positive outlook on life and respecting yourself, your body, and others. The title track "Can't Close My Eyes" deals with violence on the streets. "Youth Crew" is about the straight edge followers of today, it goes out to them. "I Have Faith" is believing in the human race, that we aren't all bad people and that there are some good ones out there. "Crucial Times" deals with the unity of the straight edge scene and how the rest of the world should be so close. So go get this album on Revelation Records, and add to your collection one of the greatest hardcore bands ever. "Physically strong, morally straight, positive youth, we're the Youth Of Today!" (Review by) Alex Rud is Contributing Columnist. Contact him at misftskull@aol.com.
Break Down The Walls LP - Pastepunk.com web zine
	If you like your hardcore very fast in sharp bursts of explosive guitars, chaotic drummage and some of the finest vocal work of all time then look no further than New York's very own YOUTH OF TODAY, one of the quintessential straight edge bands to grace the scene. Recorded in the fall of '86, quite a few years after the seeds of hardcore had been sown by countless other groups and attitudes, 'Break Down The Walls' was an instant classic, an unrelenting positive assault which screamed furiously about unity, purity and a better tomorrow, and still sounds fresh today. These ideals that have since formed the basis of practically every subsequent hardcore band's existence were rarely tackled with such conviction and spirit as Ray Cappo's most significant project, YOUTH OF TODAY. You can analyze all you want but when it all comes down to it, you want an admirable record to get your teeth into, and 'Break Down The Walls' is such a record. Thirteen break-neck anthems tightly restrained in barely twenty minutes is the stuff that dreams are made of, perfect for a short attention span to say the least, but it also leaves some interesting after thoughts and pleasant echoes, making this amazing album one that will simply refuse point-blank to leave the stereo. Apart from the breath- taking music itself, one of YOUTH OF TODAY's most notable aspects was the gravelly vocals of front-man Cappo, which were truly unrivaled. Less of a man, his outbursts resemble a previously caged animal that had been prodded and teased with morsels of food before being released in a whirlwind of wrath, especially on tracks like 'Make A Change', 'Thinking Straight' and the palm-mute laden 'Honesty'. Devastating in its execution and challenging with its impact, 'Break Down The Walls' is a truly mind- blowing record that will rest proudly in any hardcore collection. Debuts don't come much greater than this. Review by "Slick" Nick.
V/A New York City Hardcore: The Way It Is 12" - cDc Core
	This is an incredible compilation. New York has one of the best HC scenes, and this album proves it. It includes material from the following bands: Bold, Nausea, Warzone, Gorilla Biscuits, Trip 6, Breakdown, Youth of Today, Sick of It All, Krakdown, Side By Side, Youth Defense League, and Supertouch. Warzone and YOT have two songs each, and they are the two best bands on this album. In general, most of these bands are very fast, and metal-influenced (No pop-core like ALL is on here.) But take note, this is not the best of New York. You could probably fill another album with NY bands that would be just as good or better than this one.

Show reviews:
Holland and Belgium, 1989 Europe tour - Live At Van Hall 7", tour report
Live at Van Hall, 1989	Holland and Belgium could experience the meaning of Straight Edge during the 1989 tour of Youth Of Today. It didn't start too well: in Alast, Belgium, a drunk tried to smash Ray of Today in the face after the show; instead of Ray, who quickly dived away, a 16-year old kid was hit, with a broken nose as a result. In Arnhem so-called punks started throwing beer bottles at the stage. In Den Bosch a group of nazi skins tried to ruin the show, and Youth Of Today decided to quit after having played 7 songs. At the end of the week Youth Of Today was due to play Van Hall together with Dutch S.E.-ers Profound, and Decadence Within from England. A lot of people showed up, S.E.-ers from Holland, Belgium and Germany, old style punks, squatters, heavy metal fans, some skins. This show made everybody forget all the shit that had happened previously. Both bands and audience had a great evening, and Ray Of Today called Van Hall "probably the coolest place we've played so far".

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