If you like your hardcore very fast in sharp bursts of explosive guitars, chaotic drummage and some of the finest vocal work of all time then look no further than New York's very own YOUTH OF TODAY, one of the quintessential straight edge bands to grace the scene. Recorded in the fall of '86, quite a few years after the seeds of hardcore had been sown by countless other groups and attitudes, 'Break Down The Walls' was an instant classic, an unrelenting positive assault which screamed furiously about unity, purity and a better tomorrow, and still sounds fresh today. These ideals that have since formed the basis of practically every subsequent hardcore band's existence were rarely tackled with such conviction and spirit as Ray Cappo's most significant project, YOUTH OF TODAY.
You can analyze all you want but when it all comes down to it, you want an admirable record to get your teeth into, and 'Break Down The Walls' is such a record. Thirteen break-neck anthems tightly restrained in barely twenty minutes is the stuff that dreams are made of, perfect for a short attention span to say the least, but it also leaves some interesting after thoughts and pleasant echoes, making this amazing album one that will simply refuse point-blank to leave the stereo. Apart from the breath-taking music itself, one of YOUTH OF TODAY's most notable aspects was the gravelly vocals of front-man Cappo, which were truly unrivaled. Less of a man, his outbursts resemble a previously caged animal that had been prodded and teased with morsels of food before being released in a whirlwind of wrath, especially on tracks like 'Make A Change', 'Thinking Straight' and the palm-mute laden 'Honesty'.Devastating in its execution and challenging with its impact, 'Break Down The Walls' is a truly mind-blowing record that will rest proudly in any hardcore collection. Debuts don't come much greater than this.--PASTEPUNK.com
Genre: Hardcore
Year: 1988
Tracklist:
01. Make a Change
02. Thinking Straight
03. Stabbed in the Back
04. Take a Stand
05. Honesty
06. One Family
07. Break Down the Walls
08. Shout It
09. Time to Forgive
10. Positive Outlook
11. Standing Hard
12. Free at Last
13. Youth of Today
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