Horror’s Evolution: From Scary to Sensitive
- The hardcore punk scene mourned Al Barile, the former leader of the Boston band SS Decontrol (SSD), who died of cancer at 63.
- Nancy Barile, Al's wife, described him as "scary" in her memoir, "I'm Not Holding Yoru Coat," recalling his muscular build and shaved head.
- Hardcore fostered its own tight-knit community, demanding conformity in its own way.
Hardcore punk has evolved! From the aggressive sounds of SSD in the 1980s to the genre-bending approach of today’s Turnstile, hardcore has adapted. News Directory 3 explores how bands like SSD,led by the “scary” Al Barile,first defined the genre with raw energy and anti-establishment anthems like “The Kids Will have Their Say.” Now, Turnstile is taking the hardcore sound in a new direction, incorporating diverse influences and creating a more inclusive experience. Their latest album, “NEVER ENOUGH,” exemplifies this evolution, emphasizing shared energy. Discover how Turnstile’s innovation, including a more accessible approach and collaborations, has helped them gain mainstream recognition, and consider the ways the genre is still shifting and adapting.Discover what’s next for hardcore punk.
Turnstile and the Evolution of Hardcore Punk
The hardcore punk scene mourned Al Barile, the former leader of the Boston band SS Decontrol (SSD), who died of cancer at 63. SSD, known for its fierce sound and anti-establishment stance, helped define hardcore in the 1980s. Their debut album, “The Kids Will Have Their Say,” depicted a mob rushing the Massachusetts State House, symbolizing their rejection of mainstream society.
Nancy Barile, Al’s wife, described him as “scary” in her memoir, “I’m Not Holding Yoru Coat,” recalling his muscular build and shaved head. Springa, SSD’s vocalist, said Barile envisioned a band that would break down barriers between the band and audience, railing against government, society, and conformity.
Hardcore fostered its own tight-knit community, demanding conformity in its own way. SSD dissolved after a few years,releasing the less intense “How We Rock” in 1984,which was poorly received. According to Nancy, Barile then traded his music gear for a Jet ski.
Today, Turnstile, a band from Maryland, is expanding the legacy of hardcore. Their new album, “NEVER ENOUGH,” is accompanied by a video that opens with lead singer Brendan Yates riding a personal watercraft, a move that might raise eyebrows among hardcore purists. Turnstile could be the most popular hardcore band ever, maintaining a dedicated URL, turnstilehardcore.com,and creating music that pays tribute to the genre’s roots.
Yates said he found hardcore “scary” when he first encountered it. With Turnstile, he has created a more accessible version of the genre, emphasizing “intensity” and “shared collective energy” rather than aggression.”NEVER ENOUGH” includes ambient passages and songs with “groovy” elements, such as “DREAMING,” which incorporates a reggaeton rhythm, and “LOOK OUT FOR ME,” which draws from Baltimore dance music.However, the album also features “SUNSHOWER,” reminiscent of Bad Brains, a band that helped pioneer hardcore.
Meg Mills, Turnstile’s guitarist, echoes Barile’s sentiments about the energy between the band and the audience.Classic SSD records like “the Kids Will Have Their Say” and “Get It Away” still sound raw and confrontational. Nancy Barile’s memoir highlights the intensity of SSD’s shows and the violence of their world. Turnstile,though,embraces a more positive and earnest approach,evident in their lyrics and album art. Yates’s melodic sensibilities and voice have drawn comparisons to Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, helping Turnstile gain mainstream recognition, including Grammy nominations and support from artists like James Hetfield and Charli XCX. Their song “BLACKOUT” has been streamed millions of times.
Recently, Turnstile performed in Brooklyn to celebrate their new album. “NEVER ENOUGH” concludes with songs about parting ways, which some interpret as a tribute to former guitarist Brady Ebert. The show was upbeat, with Yates introducing “I CARE” and encouraging the crowd to dance.Hayley Williams of Paramore joined the band for an encore, performing “SEEIN’ STARS,” a song that reflects both the band’s hardcore past and its current popularity. Hardcore, once known for its strict boundaries, has proven to be a resilient and adaptable genre.
Turnstile’s success demonstrates the evolution of hardcore punk, blending its raw energy with broader musical influences and a more inclusive message. While bands like SSD defined the genre’s initial ferocity, Turnstile is expanding its reach and appeal, proving that hardcore can evolve and thrive in new contexts.