B is for The Bronx and Barkmarket

By Gabriel

efore there was The Bronx, there was Rocket from the Crypt. If anyone's familiar with these two, you might think of this as an odd comparison. Although, I'd say it has merit because The Bronx opened for RFTC at their final concert. I can't say the torch has been passed entirely, but The Bronx definitely make use of the almighty guitar and "exorcise" its simplest, chunky riffs. These guys–from L.A., not the Bronx–pull more from punk than your standard rock or hardcore band. I was originally drawn to them because of their video for False Alarm, which kicks ass not only because of the song but also its pairing with horror films! From what I gather, the members don't necessarily live out the rock 'n roll life to the extreme, but they indulge. Everything from the recording down to Matt Caughthran's voice is all raw and dirty. When I want something unfresh, RFTC-like but without the horns, this is who I turn to. History's Stranglers is my favorite track from the second album. You can't argue with mischievous kids with adult heads.

Another oldie but goodie is Barkmarket. They are no longer around but their music is worth checking out. I caught onto this band from the liner notes of an Orange 9mm album during my all-hardcore-music phase shortly after college. This was when bands like Snapcase were becoming all the rage and I just wanted anything that had the same edge. Choosing to pursue them was the result of discovering that the vocalist/guitarist, David Sardy, had produced some other favorites. Among those productions were the Orange 9mm and the real final album by Helmet, Aftertaste. L. Ron, a stab at the scientology guy, was the final album which stayed in my CD player for months. Like songs by The Bronx, everything about the music felt unnatural, dirty, and occasionally like the soundtrack for a backwoods redneck (think Deliverance). So many of the songs, notably Drain, became favorites of mine while driving to and from JMU. Hell, I even included one of their songs in a promotion for my fake record company. The CDs were out of print and I was in on the secret, which music-wise rarely happens any longer.