How the Most Brutal Genre Became Compassionate

Just a couple of months ago, the music world bid farewell to Al Barile, a tough and muscular guitarist who passed away at sixty-three after a battle with cancer. Known more for his ethos than his music, Barile led the fierce Boston band Society System Decontrol in the early eighties. The band, also known as SS Decontrol or SSD, embodied the hardcore punk rock genre with its initialism that gave it a militant edge. A photo of the band’s groundbreaking debut album, “The Kids Will Have Their Say,” depicted a group of young people storming the Massachusetts State House. The political message, intentionally cryptic, hinted at anti-government sentiments. SSD’s allegiance was not to a specific ideology but to hardcore punk, a hardened, Americanized version of traditional punk music.

In her memoir “I’m Not Holding Your Coat,” Barile’s wife, Nancy, recalled being initially scared when she saw a picture of him – a massive, bald man. Springa, the band’s lead vocalist, remembered Barile’s vision for SSD as fiercely anti-establishment and non-conformist, prioritizing breaking down barriers between the band and its audience. Despite the scene’s rebellious and anti-society nature, its members often adhered to a strict code of conformity. While they tore down some barriers, they created others, fostering a sense of exclusivity and intimacy among the select few who were part of the hardcore tribe.

SSD disbanded in the mid-eighties, prompting questions about what comes next once a hardcore band has established its ferocity. Their later work received mixed reviews, signaling a departure from their earlier sound. Barile’s decision to sell his music gear for a Jet Ski marked the end of an era for the band. The hardcore scene was characterized by its insularity and toughness, but now bands like Turnstile are reshaping its legacy.

Turnstile, a group from Maryland, is pushing the boundaries of hardcore music. Their new album, “NEVER ENOUGH,” combines misty introspection with fiery energy, paying homage to hardcore while infusing new elements. Frontman Brendan Yates, who initially found hardcore intimidating, has created a more accessible and welcoming form of the genre. While some tracks on “NEVER ENOUGH” deviate from traditional hardcore, others stay true to its roots. Turnstile’s live shows encourage fan participation, blurring the line between performers and audience members, reminiscent of SSD’s ethos.

Turnstile’s blend of hardcore, punk, and other musical influences symbolizes a shift in the genre’s evolution. Unlike the aggressive nature of classic hardcore bands like SSD, Turnstile embraces a more positive and earnest approach, challenging critics to see the genre in a new light. Despite the changes in sound and style, Turnstile maintains a deep connection to hardcore’s essence while ushering in a new era for the genre.