Decolonize by Vacant Company
“Who will decide? Who will decolonize?”
It’s no secret that I appreciate the world where hardcore and punk subgenre as a whole collides. A sludgy slow breakdown at the end antagonizes the message being shouted “Who will decide? Who will decolonize?” I grew up somewhere too punk for the hardcore kids and too hardcore for the punk kids. Somewhere in this dynamic I still felt like I was screaming into two voids begging more artists to speak out for what they say they stand for. Seeing Vacant Company live is an experience that will draw in the weariest of bones to thrash around in a pit with style and relinquish a rage at the state from within only complete with a collapse in each other’s arms.
Why by Chat Pile
“Real American horror story”
Almost playing through like a speech or an inner monologue from vocalist, Raygun Busch.
Why?
Why do people have to live outside?
We have the resources
We have the means
Why?
This song perfectly executes that ranting-inner monologue style of song writing while tackling every cry for help I feel in my brain every day? Why do we make the choices we’ve made as a collective of humans? We must claim ownership over our fellow human’s actions so we may remember that we can counteract them.
Polluted by In Jest
“You’re the reason everything dies”
In Jest has truly come out of nowhere as what I predict to be one of the best metallic hardcore bands from the east coast. It gets really hard to beat a group of talented individuals with heart driving their every riff, lyric, and move. This song features their fellow Philadelphia natives Execute with both bands providing a message about politician’s guilt and responsibility for the climate crisis. Textured riffs and classic breakbeats make this song both classic and refreshing.
What are you doing here? By Ella Jane
“But you don’t deserve my hatred no, Cause I can’t afford to waste it all”
Waiting Game by Punch
“Waiting for a difference, could never end”
Inflict My Will by Contention, Inclination
“I hone myself Into a weapon”
Fallout by Reggie Pearl
Legs by Annie DiRusso
“It eats at me, you fall in love
So easily with everyone”
Taking One For The Team by worlds greatest dad
“I know you can be someone a little bit more happy
Without taking one for the team
You know it’s something that you need
To let go of control and breathe”
Questions, Chaos, and Faith by Joy Oladokun
“Nothing is certain
Everything changes
We’re spirit and bone marching to the grave
There are no answers
There are only questions, chaos, and faith”
Immersed Zine 
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