The genre of straight-edge hardcore is not generally known for musical innovation these days, so it’s refreshing when a band like Boston quartet Righteous Jams come along. ‘Business As Usual’, the band’s second album, is described by vocalist Joey Contrada as “hardcore that’s not influenced by hardcore” and as opening track ‘Thought Vacation’ thunders out of the speakers, it’s clear that these guys are thinking in wider musical terms than your average hardcore ‘purists’.
Songs like ‘Instinct And Music’ and ‘Lizards‘ mix the speed and fury of traditional hardcore with muscular hard rock riffing; owing just as much to the likes of Helmet and the Rollins Band as they do to hardcore heavyweights like Black Flag and the Cro-Mags. If you like the sound of hardcore with a filthy, sleazy edge, then RJ are for you. Check out ‘Lizards‘ on the link in the top-right corner of this page.
Having recently played US dates with the reformed Gorilla Biscuits, the band will tour the UK in late October/early November – dates are as follows:
Oct 30 – Southend Minerva
Oct 31 – Northampton Racehorse
Nov 1 – Newport Le Pub
Nov 2 – Hull Ringside
Nov 3 – Sheffield Broomhall Centre
Nov 4 – Durham Elvet Methodist Hall
Nov 5 – Manchester Star & Garter
Nov 6 – London Underworld
Nov 7 – Ashford (Kent) Downtown Diner