Stains - Stains

Label: SST

Year: 1983

When that "American Hardcore" book and movie came out, they didn't mention Stains did they? If they didn't, they should have. They were super raw, Black Flag inspired 1st wave southern California hardcore, and for my money, there ain't no better hardcore than old southern California hardcore (not to be confused with the saying, "ain't no party like a West Coast party", that's a different sentiment altogether).  This particular 12" was recorded in 1981 (by Spot no less), but it took a couple years for it to see the light of day, and now can't be found anywhere. Shame.

Stains (which by the by, there were like, 20 bands called Stains, one of them even being an alias for MDC) were one of the o.g. east L.A. hardcore bands, and a virtual house band for the Vex club. Hollywood and South Bay (Hermosa...big ups!) got most of the attention as the Los Angeles hotspots, but after hearing Stains strangle a few riffs you'd be hard pressed to find a better template for old hardcore. If you like Black Flag, Wurm, Corrosion of Conformity, or any of the rougher early hardcore stuff then this one will be right up your alley.

DL