From Within Newsletter #7
What’s up everyone? The time is currently 7:53 AM the morning after the Scarab record release show and I am on a bus from Philly to NYC to do some tourist type activities. I was going to wait on some film from the trip/show to get developed, but why not write this out while the event is fresh in my mind…
Suicide Eyes - I knew within the first 10 seconds of their first song the show was gonna be great. The vibes were immaculate immediately. I don’t live in Philly so it’s natural there’s new kids I’ve never seen before, but I go to 3-4 shows a year here it seems like so I have somewhat of a grasp on who comes around and this show was an ARMY of kids I haven’t really seen before which was awesome. The kids were running shit the way it should be. Their set was great and really set the tone for the entire show. This is a band representing the sound of Philly hardcore from the past and present. Can’t wait to hear the LP which will out on Rebirth Records at some point.
With Hate - My first time finally getting to see a proper With Hate set and it did not disappoint. All dick riding intended, everything this group of fellas touches is gold when it comes to music. Doug be saying many jokes on the microphone between songs working the crowd, he’s kinda doing a Paul Bearer type thing and it’s awesome. They got a new song coming out on a certain straight edge comp later this year… The cherry on top of the set, which already had a great reaction, was the surprise C4 song at the end. They played “Cry About It” and I had to run in there like I was on the front lines. Entire different point of discussion, but the C4 record is easily top 5 records of 2025 for me.
The Final Agony - As someone who is openly not a die hard Integrity fan, seeing Aaron Melnick open with Incarnate 365 in any band is something to watch in amazement. Integrity got some tracks and that’s one of them. Mr. Melnick was rocking brooks, an entombed shirt, and some running brand visor. The man looked like he was prepared to run a 4.4 at any given moment and I gotta respect that. He also looks like he plays guitar in slow motion it kinda makes no sense. I like to think he’s just so advanced that us mortals can’t comprehend what he’s doing so it’s in slow motion. If you’re a fan of literally any band he’s ever done you will love The Final Agony. I think I’ve seen them 3 times and this was definitely my favorite set of the 3. It was great to hear some of the songs of their most recent 7 inch live. If you’re a fan of Clevo hardcore and haven’t checked these guys out do so today. It’s essentially just more Integrity/In Cold Blood tracks from the man who wrote the shit himself.
Hard Stripes - The hardest I’ve ever been hit at a show was while I was singing along to Hard Stripes at UB 2016. I think I actually saw Jesus. These fellas got a crazy reaction last night. It’s pretty sick to see how many younger kids go crazy for them considering they have not put out a record since 2014, literally over a decade ago. It seemed like a squad of kids from Richmond area rolled out and held it down which is what it’s all about. Represent your scene! I can’t imagine these guys will ever have new music, but I think being able to play the same songs that came out over 10 years ago and having people still care is more than most bands will ever get to say.
Forced Order - Legitimately just GOATS when it comes to this shit. Until last night I hadn’t seen them since they played Doylestown, PA in 2018. Insane to think that show was 7 years ago. This band has an actual perfect discography and I’m sooooo pumped still I got to see them again last night. I ALMOST thought it was gonna be an all Unc’s to the dance floor type event, but there was a good mix of geriatric people and the youth. Forced Order is lowkey a unity type band, I feel like no matter what core you subscribe to you can get down with them. Aside from Scarab this was the set I was by far the most excited for and it did not disappoint. Great set list and great reaction.
Scarab - The main event of the evening. I feel like I don’t even need to really say anything, you already know it was amazing. The set was amazing, people knew the words to every single song, and it couldn’t have been better in my opinion. The ONLY downside was that by this point there was so much moisture in the room the wooden dance floor was a hazard to all daring to step out there. Gotta give a shout out to John for just looking cool as fuck, he was rocking the Undefeated 4’s better than maybe any other human has on this earth. I was at the first Scarab show, the first record release show, the second record release show, and I will be at the last show if there ever is one. Scarab is an era defining hardcore band in my opinion and I’m just glad it exists in the timeline that I’m around for. I consider all of these guys friends and I have endless respect for them.
The “Burn After Listening” record release show is in the books and I personally couldn’t have had a better time. Huge shout out to Bob Wilson for putting the scene on his back yet again and making Philly a place people want to travel to for shows and a place that locals are proud to call their scene. I’ve Been traveling to shows here for over a decade now and it’s only getting better with each year from my point of view. There’s a whole new generation of kids going to shows, starting new bands, and doing their homework on the past and it couldn’t be cooler to me. It’s very obvious and cliche but this shit will never move forward without the next generation. Adopt a nu-jack today and put them on to the good shit.
Well that’s it everyone. At this point I’m like 40 mins from NYC and I got BLACKLISTED by BREAKDOWN going in my ears like it’s a NYHC Sunday church service. The podcast will be back next week with a more in depth show review and a special guest. Aside from that we got the FRÖTHING MAD demo coming to a 7 inch soon to end out the year. More info on that in the coming weeks. PEACE EVERYONE!
Oh yeah… this will be out this winter
fröthing mad 7 inch, dope!