5 of the best from SoCal Rockers Initiate

2022 confirmed the irresistible rise of Baltimore bruisers Turnstile; you can't deny it! The spotlight is shining onto the scene that Turnstile has recently transcended. The air is thick with anticipation; Hardcore is experiencing a resurgence, and the emergence also seems inevitable. A sound usually at home in New York dive bars, London pubs, and working men's clubs is coming for the normies. Finally, the movement could be in for some mainstream recognition. It was only a matter of time before a band broke through to the other side. Like the innovators and visionaries before them, Turnstile has seemingly brought street music into the light, forging a path for aspiring young moshers to follow.

2023 is an exciting prospect for the global Hardcore scene. The door to the mainstream has been kicked off its hinges; the blueprint has been written. Is Hardcore ready to let the eyes of the mainstream into the weird and wonderful world of spin kicks and stage dives? Will we see veterans Madball headlining an arena tour of the UK? Will Knocked Loose be gracing the stage of the Royal Albert Hall? Probably not! However, it's still an electrifying time to be involved with Hardcore.

I'm here to talk about California crooners Initiate. Crooners, they are not. However, 2023 promises to be a big year for the Golden state gang. We can expect a follow-up to 2020's EP Lavender, which saw the band snapped up by Triple B records. The record announced the band as a force to be reckoned within the Hardcore community. Lavender has everything you could want from a Hardcore extended play. With crushing riffs galore, breakdowns that will inspire rabidly violent actions, coupled with Crystals socially conscious lyrics and manically delivered vocals, the sheer energy of this record demands attention. Listen up, 2023, Initiate is coming! You heard it here first.

Let's talk about five essential Initiate tracks to familiarise yourselves with the band. You can thank me later.

'I WON'T GIVE IN'

I Won't Give In is 2:27 of pure defiance. Crystal's impassioned bellows follow a rousing guitar intro. The gauntlet has been set down. The brilliance of the lyrics is that they're individual enough to ignite a blaze of disobedience in any angsty hardcore outcast's heart and vague enough that we can all relate to them.

'If I extend an open hand In hopes that you were a better man, Would you open up your mind Or waste my fucking time?'

This song is a perfect window into Initiate. Their ethos is passion and sincerity coupled with energy and raw emotion—a punk rock attitude delivered with Hardcore feeling.

'BEFORE LONG'

Next is the title track from their debut EP of the same name. Before Long…. First off, the track begins with an Angela Davis speech. The perfect way to begin, a fist-clenching rager, the tribal beating of the drums and the marching bassline, talk of revolution, and this track feels like a call to arms to the sleepy masses to wake up and smell the corruption. Revolution is a common subject in the Hardcore fraternity. However, few tracks are as impactful as this, lyrically and musically radical, urgent and thought-provoking. It's a 10/10 from me.

'When did we begin

To believe in fiction?

Facts now hard to pin

Challenge every thought

Unlearn what you're taught

We will not be bought.'

'ONE IN THE SAME'

The opening riff is reminiscent of Cro-Mags' Seekers Of The Truth' Intros don't come harder than this. When the bass rolls in with the rhythmic snare hits, you will be marching down the street, ready for war. I do not doubt that JJ Cro-Mag himself would approve of this track. Cause if you don't suffer the 'Hard Times' you can never flourish, right? The message is the same; the impact is comparable. As far as I'm concerned, comparing any Hardcore band to the original truth seekers and New York’s finest is the highest praise you can bestow upon them. If this track doesn't get your blood pumping, your body moving, and your fists swinging, then Hardcore probably isn't for you, my friend; stick to your Taylor Swift records.

'LAVENDER'

Let's talk about the title track to their second EP Lavender. The track starts with a tribal-esque drum and bass intro that would not sound out of place on any Have Heart record, followed by what is fast becoming a trademark for the band, a hard-catchy guitar riff. Crystals vocals enter with the urgency of a smack in the mouth. You may not be able to catch the words coming from Crystal's mouth, but such is how they are delivered; you feel compelled to find out immediately. Initiate may not be reinventing the wheel with their sound. However, the raw energy and infectious rhythms are captivatingly powerful.

'AT LEAST'

Finally, let's take a trip back to Initiate's first record. At Least is 1:14 of pure pop-punk power. A complete left turn from the sound I have been describing thus far. Evidence there is much more to this band than meets the eye. They are not just another generic Hardcore band from California. Crystal's infectious vocal melody on this tune is as unexpected as impressive. At Least is a bittersweet ode to finding light in the darkness.

'At least if I smile

I'll fall gracefully

At least for today

I'll think carelessly'

Another string to their bow. Ending on a positive note. Look out for Initiate in 2023. Rumour has it they will embark on their maiden trip to Europe. Also, we can expect a new record; I am intrigued to see what the future holds for these So-cal savages.