No Redeeming Social Value

THC (Triple Crown)
by Scott Hefflon

Rarely has there been a more appropriately named band. No Redeeming Social Value (NYHC’s NRSV) strike the same chord as the humorous hardcore of the first S.O.D. record (an ass-ripping of their unfortunate second record is elsewhere in this issue). And they strike that chord hard, strike it a lot, then start striking anything else within arms’ reach. They’re hardcore punk in an age where that doesn’t really mean anything anymore. They have tats, hats, very little hair, wear Slayer T-shirts, like to perform naked, and they’ve been known to hit people with fish. (Which hurts, by the way, kinda like getting slugged by a flexible log.) With 18 songs, 45 minutes, samples and snippets thrown in for good measure, songs like “Piece of the Axxxe” (a metal parody – is that Lillian Axe or Lizzy Borden?), “I Will Continue to Disgrace Your Fucking Name,” “I Just Wanna Screw,” and “(That’s Why) They Call It Hardcore,” there’s a lot to love, loath, and get all sweaty about. I’d love to see these guys destroy a stage with NY hockey/hardcore hooligans Two Man Advantage. Check this out if you like it rough.
(331 West 57th St. #472 New York, NY 10019)