xOur Warx: If You're Not Now... (2000)

Our War was a US band that was all about the straight edge, music-wise and of course lyric-wise. I can't verify this but I've read that the band contained members from 90s vegan sxe pioneers Chokehold (!) and bad ass fastcore giants Haymaker.

I've seen this record circulating on download blogs and judging from the cover I always thought it would be some kind of boring beatdown band. Boy was I wrong. In fact, this is probably my favorite type of hardcore: fast, brutal, catchy and obnoxious. Enjoy the full stream of this 2000 album entitled If You're Not Now... You're Dead.

Upward - "Pushed Aside" demo

Do you know what time it is? It is time to get positive up in here. Veganism, positive hardcore and clear thinking is what's up!

Upward is a melodic but unpolished (yeah!) youth crew hardcore band from Italy. They are active as we speak and they have new stuff out in 2012, which you can check below. Stream it or download it like it ain't no thing! But make sure to support the bands when you can. Also check 'em on this SXE Italian blog: Set Me Free

Oh yeah.. Enjoy youth crew straight edge lifestyle!

Gone But Not Forgotten - "Seattle Crew"

Classic angry youth crew band, late 00s time, with a 7" on straight edge label supreme, React!. I am not only in love with this particular type of music, but I am also in love with these black & white, hoodie-related, old school youth crew covers. This band also has an awesome name.

 

I usually don't put up download links, but since I download a lot of stuff myself, I guess it is kind of hypocritical not to. It's not like the labels lose big money by the people who search and download from blogs like this. Enjoy youth crew hardcore!

Seattle Crew Demo

One Constant

In this life, everyone needs a constant to hang on to and to use as a base and a source of strength. It can be family, friends, religion, material gratification, or even all of those things combined. More or less, most people chose the above. But strength can also come from a philospophy and a way of life. In a life where everything changes and you don't even know whether this very day is going to be your last, I am so glad I have found sraight edge to depend on. As the days, events and memories pile on, it feels awesome to have dealt with all in a sincere and unprejuidced way, with no crutches whatsoever. Shit happens of course, and not every day is filled with success, but I know I have straight edge to rely on: a bedrock of sober thought that guides the light through the dark tunnel that we call life...

Thank god for Casey Jones, representing straight edge hard in the 2010s... "I am these words so fuck you!"

Outlast - NJ Straight Edge Hardcore

 The positivity and intensity of straight edge hardcore... nothing in the world can beat it for me. Sometimes I am so perplexed by life I don't can't even begin explain stuff to suss out if I am positive or negative, if I am a good or a bad person. But this music surely speaks to me and surely makes my life seem better. It fills me with strength, energy and hope.

Outlast, New Jersey Hardcore... I am at the other side of the world but this music is for me and my friends and every kid. It speaks in volumes. I just wish that one day I will be able to give straight edge something in return.