Speaking of Ray Cappo and posi punk, Youth Of Today are working their way up as one of my favorite hardcore bands. A lot of people seem to have some negative sentiments concerning YOT, mainly crediting them for "bro-core" and all of the macho bullshit that New York hardcore turned into in the 1990s. However, this is a completely unfair assessment of the band, and fails to recognize how rad YOT really were. Before I begin writing about Youth Of Today, I think I should make it understood that I really have no interest in bro hardcore and very little interest in youth crew. I am not straight edge and for the better part of my life, have eaten meat and thought of myself as a quite negative person. Regardless of these factors, Youth Of Today has always stood out to me as a exceptional example of what a good hardcore punk band should sound like.
Until recently, Break Down The Walls was my favorite Youth Of Today record. With its insane riffage, abundance on classic slammers, Ray Cappo's utterly ridiculous vocals, and glossy production, this record is classic bedroom mosh material. However, after I heard the rawer versions of some of the YOT classics like "Positive Outlook" and "Take A Stand" off Can't Close My Eyes, I began to reconsider. Other crucial tracks off Can't Close My Eyes include "Expectations" and "We Just Might", which I believe has one of the most moshtastic breakdowns I've ever heard. Although, I hate it when this band is labelled "jockcore", it also makes terrific workout music. Nothing beats finishing a 5k run up a hill and listening to Ray Cappo (who is now a yoga instructor) hollering about his positive outlook on life. Seriously though, listen to both records, and whatever you do, don't dismiss this shit.
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