Washington D.C. is known for putting out some of the best punk/hardcore bands of all time. If you were to simplify their history into Minor Threat and Bad Brains that would already be the type of track record that any respected trainer strives for. More recently though, D.C. hasn't been putting out as many head turners, that is until you listen to 86 Mentality. They aren't doing anything new. They aren't recalculating the breakdown, or for that matter, having xbreakdownsx. Basically, this isn't the type of music your local mosh crew would rehearse to. On the other hand, if you're into well written punk songs with working class roots and some good ol' anger, 86 Mentality is more than worth your time.
Oh, you haven't heard 86 Mentality before? Well, how perfect for Grave Mistake to release a CD with both of their 7"s and a few live and unreleased songs. Now you can lace up your boots and pounce in. As good as the other thirteen songs are tracks eight through thirteen are where it's at. These songs are taken from the On the Loose EP. Regulations and The Observers have made me recently realize how good newer punk bands can be, and these songs give me the same effect. Although I'm not one for formulaic song writing, when your verse/chorus/bridge/chorus/verse contains all parts that are simple, catchy and contain a fast rock 'n' roll spirit, I'm totally for it. The twelfth song, "Oppression," has the perfect chorus to get drunk and sing-along with your buddies. "Day in, Day out / Oppression oppression / I can't get out / Opression opression," with Steve Clark doing gruff Negative Approach style vocals that you'll find yourself singing along to by even yourself.
Live songs suck. The two live songs included on Goin' Nowhere Fast are the rare exception. Yeah, the recording quality sounds like a good early 80's punk/hardcore recording, but the in-between song talk is fun to listen to (lots of "fuck"s) and is a testament to how good 86 Mentality is. The previously unreleased songs evidently should've been released as they keep the momentum of the other songs' circle pit spinning. It's nice how the liner notes include some writing by the band on why they didn't include these songs, an explanation of the name (it's not a reference to the year, 1986) and other random shit.
Here's hoping that Goin' Nowhere Fast doesn't end up being a discography but a convenient way to listen to 86 Mentality away from home. There's only so many ways I can praise this album, so I think you get the idea. With bands like 86 Mentality, Set to Explode and Lion of Judah coming from D.C., there's no reason why that scene shouldn't become one of the best again. There's nothing wrong with putting emphasis on the "punk" in punk/hardcore. Thanks, 86 Mentality.
