To appreciate SKULL CRUSHER is to recognize a few background details: (1) the band features Ed McKirdy of Livewire Records (and also formerly of HANDS TIED, TRIPLE THREAT, and THE KILLING FLAME; (2) Brian “Gordo” Jordan, of the Doublecross hardcore blog; and two other guys have played in RESURRECTION, MOUTHPIECE, and ON THE RISE, respectively. Not only are the guys in the band well versed in hardcore as musicians, but McKirdy and Jordan, particularly, have become extremely knowledgeable about the genre’s earliest beginnings through the Livewire message board, and Jordan’s extensive writings. It helps to keep all of that in mind once the first few seconds of Blinding By Illusion smash through the silence. SKULL CRUSHER have set out to create the ultimate modern ode to 80s NYHC. Songwriting style, recording aesthetic, and lyrical concerns all trace back to bands like UNDERDOG, CRO-MAGS, ABSOLUTION, and RAW DEAL. McKirdy’s echoing, minimally melodic bark is so on point with the genre that it can seem like a special effect (and a damn good one at that). Huge… HUGE drums provide a steady backing to Illusion while holding on to the crisp metallic feel that was found in so many of the influential records of the time. The concept of SKULL CRUSHER doing an intentional reenactment of a particular sound and pulling it off with such authentic “students of the genre” enthusiasm is a total trip (and much more nuanced than the youth crew revival of the early 2000s).  The fact that the songwriting is nothing but aces makes it a must listen.

12″ EP out on Reflections / Digital via Livewire