86 Mentality86 Mentality was a term used to describe something that had expired or was to be thrown out but for the band it means no agenda, no stance, no bullshit, just the music. If you ask me that’s a good damn name and approach. This is a documentation of one of the best and most overlooked bands to come out of the DC area in awhile. The 19 tracks were compiled from all of their recorded material to date, their 2004 debut s/t 7", 2005's "On The Loose" 7", two unreleased songs from the On The Loose sessions, a 2003 demo track, covers by the 4-Skins and S.O.A. as well as two live tracks. The play a classic style of hardcore with a big Oi! influence as well but it has a real rough edge to it, mostly due to the vocals. The vocals are deep and gruff as shit, reminds me of the guy from Tension* or some skinhead influenced type shit. But it sounds fucking great, the vocals just make this release that much easier on my ears. The guy sounds like he’s going apeshit as he shouts out socio-political views and pure anger and rage to stupid fucking idiots scumbags. Since I’ve received this for review I have listened to it on numerous occasions, sometimes 2 times a sitting. This is damn good pissed off oi influenced early 80's hardcore with a deep and mean vocal attack that completes this tight outfit. The production is straight up perfect, it’s got the gritty and old school sounding tone to it down to a tee. The layout is easy on the eyes, a nice simple gray and black live shot with the simple band text, inside it’s got some nice linear notes about the unreleased shit and some facts about the band with fliers and live shots throughout the lyrics. Definitely adds a lot to the release, it’s little things like that, that make it much more enjoyable having the tangible release in your hands than some bullshit CD-r. It’s a shame the band has pretty much disbanded, hopefully they will get off the bottle and put out some new jams in the future or even better stay with the bottle to the mouth and put out new tunes, either way it’d be good shit.
Rating: 4.5/5
Songs worthy of replay: Get Away, Terror Boys, Chemical Threat, ah fuck it all of them
Thesis: Early 80's hardcore with some Oi! With a madman behind the microphone, spewing anger and spit with every hate filled word that comes out of his mouth. If you look good old school inspired hardcore than you better be all over this one.