Since the days of Strongarm, Culture, and Shai Hulud, South Florida has produced great hardcore bands. With labels such as Fortress Records and Armageddon Records growing impressive discographies with local acts, the region's hardcore community is stronger than ever.
Meet Barricade, a straight edge band that recently released their debut 7-inch, No Spirit, just last week. Their beginnings are rooted in a straightforward online exchange. Vocalist Gabi points to a shared appreciation for the same records as the foundation for the band.
"Matt and I were in a group chat together. I wanted to cover 'Clear' by Floorpunch, and he replied saying, 'YES!!!'" Gabi tells No Echo. "We ended up talking and figuring out we love the same music. We wanted to write straight edge and found all our members from shows and friends."
Barricade’s sound draws from more than one era or scene. Gabi cites both classic New York hardcore and Florida bands as core influences. "We're kinda all over the place," says the vocalist. "I'd say a lot of early NYHC comes to mind, like Outburst and Killing Time, but also Florida bands like Know the Score, Mehkago, Collateral, Losin' It, and Kids Like Us. At the end of the day, we each have our own bands we admire, and I think it makes our sound super unique."
No Spirit was recorded at The Crypt Studios with Nick Corcillo handling mixing and mastering duties, and the lyrics on the EP form a statement about authenticity in hardcore and straight edge circles.
"A lot of the lyrics I wrote stem from people I've met who claim to be all about hardcore or straight edge but don't go to shows, or try to fit in and pose instead of being themselves," Gabi explains. "Hence the name No Spirit."
The record also addresses how civilans view hardcore. "I also wanted to convey my feelings with the outside world, specifically the judgment towards hardcore culture, and how it shouldn't be frowned upon when we're just having fun and expressing ourselves, ya know..."
With the EP out, Barricade is set to bring these songs to new audiences. Upcoming shows with Abide and Who Remembers, along with friends in Lose Sight, mark the next step. "Our friend Tobby from Collateral and Equinox Booking put together this whole run for us, and we're beyond stoked to be out on the road playing gigs."
Touring is not slowing Barricade down. Gabi says new material is already in the works. "We should be writing some new stuff after the tour. A split or a promo of some kind. We wanna keep writing and putting shit out for sure. Expressing myself through music is the only way for me."
Barricade’s members don’t always agree, but they have their own way of settling things. "We are all the most indecisive people ever, always butting heads over covers and other stupid shit," Gabi laughs. "We make up with food. We get fat together."
Gabi credits the current South Florida hardcore scene, naming Domain, Collateral, Ballpark, 22 Grief, Fallen God, Emaciate, Wrong Intentions, Yeomra, and Enemy to All.
"That's team."
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No Spirit is available on 7" vinyl via Fortress Records.
Barricade on social media: Instagram
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