Speak Out

The so-called “youth crew” bands were a lunkheaded, militant sub-scene within New York hardcore, its bands simultaneously advocating a generic feeling of positivity and unity and a violent, angry “straight-edge” (anti-drugs, anti-alcohol, sometimes anti-sex) philosophy. Bold, from Westchester County, were one of the paradigmatic youth crew acts, and this, their sole full-length, encapsulates the style and the mindset with songs like “Talk is Cheap,” “Now or Never,” “Always Try,” “Change Within,” “Accept the Blame”…you get the idea. Frontman Matt Warnke’s enraged roars are almost indecipherable, while John Zuluaga’s guitar is all post-Minor Threat riffage with the occasional minimalist solo (“Accept the Blame”), shadowed by Tim Brooks’ bass; drummer Drew Cardellichio plays like his kit is falling apart as he hits it, and gang-shout backing vocals foster the myth of scene solidarity. Cardellichio’s thunderous rolls on “Wise Up” are the band’s moment of crowning glory.