Listening to Hatred Smile, the latest EP from Oakland, California band Choke, it's easy to get lost in the aural pummeling of it all. But there's a lot of intent behind the aggression.
"Having played in a handful of bands over the years, I wanted this project to have a very specific sound and most of all lyrical content that was in your face and direct with a socially conscience and moral / ethical agenda," says drummer/vocalist Greggdeadface. "The band has had a few members and lineups over the years but we are finally back to the core make up from where we once started."
Greggdeadface offers some insight into Choke's musical influences: "I was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island and being geographically located around states that birthed so many influential bands in this scene during that time was truly a blessing. Influences range from Dropdead, Integrity, Sheer Terror, Apartment 213, Disrupt, Devoid of Faith, Behind Enemy Lines, Disassociate, Negative Approach, Brutal Truth, Agnostic Front, Enemy Soil, Judge, etc."
The next topic of conversation was Choke's lyrical content. "Our lyrics are based solely within our morals, ethics, and social beliefs as individuals and as a collective unit. Choke is also a Vegan/Vegetarian band.
"We are militant within our stance when it comes to animal rights and animal abuse in this world. There isn't an animal in this world that deserves to be any form of food or clothing for any human. They do not deserve the torture or to be abused by any human being ever. This is something we will always fight against and take to the grave."
Lastly, Greggdeadface shouted out some of the other bands in Choke's neck of the woods in the Bay Area. "We have a vibrant scene full of so many crushing bands here is a running list: GodStomper, Piss Baptism, Merked, PostNasal Drainage, ThroatRip, Silakbo, Emblem, George Crustanza, LUV, Failed Sun, DotCursor, Onorthochrasei, Aninoko, Human Head, Happy Society, V.V.M, Caveman, XUI, Asruspex, Malandro, and New Low.
"I know I forgot a few...sorry homies."
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Choke on social media: Instagram
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