While the majority of Texas seems to think that listening to indie rock and "emo" is where all the fun and hype are at, there are those in the know that can attest that people like that know nothing about Texas, let alone its music. During my short-lived time in Texas, I came to discover that the true pride of Texas didn't lie in "the stars and stripes" but rather in it's thriving hardcore scene.
Life of Hate opens attesting that Pride Kills is "taking over your coast, east and west." I for one am glad that its this band making this statement. With traditional hardcore already repetitive and more stagnant than ever, there is a need for new blood. Houston natives Pride Kills may be the answer. Musically, they take their influence from traditional hardcore acts of the late 1990's and NYHC scenes: Blood For Blood, Integrity, and Skarhead come to mind. The guitar-work throughout is typical of the genre for the most part, though the occasional "solo" can be heard such as on "The Thrash Song." The drumming and bass playing is solid, but nothing that stands out. Where Pride Kills sets themselves apart from their peers is lyrically. What the music may lack in the originality department is made up by the bold and honest lyrics of the band's vocalist, Gabe. He comes from the "speak now, ask questions later" school of thought. Yet it is this mentality that makes a band like Pride Kills so appealing. Track after track is filled with the observations of the hardcore scene from the inside. On "Fashion Crew" he tells those at shows just to parade around their looks to "take your shit out of our shows, I've had all that I can stand" We further hear about his detest of certain aspects of the hardcore scene on "Wall of Backs," which is easily the best song on the album: the perfect combination of straightforward lyrics, solid face-paced hardcore, and finished off with an excellent breakdown.
The future for Pride Kills is indeed very promising. The band is already planning a spring tour with like-minded allies Punishment, Skare Tactic, and Bad Luck 13 Riot Extravaganza. Not to mention, since releasing their debut effort they have been picked up by Thorp Records. Needless to say 2004 will see Pride Kills make good on their prediction to take over your coast, regardless of where you're at.
