Back To Back (TX) - Demo('10) and Live at Mango's

When David first told me about this band I thought he was linking me to the 'Back To Back' label page, but I was wrong. Back To Back is a Houston hardcore/punk band, and they know what they're doing. I've been listening to their songs since I woke up, and I'm impressed that hardcore bands like this are still on the right track.

Their 2010 Demo sounds like something fresh out out the oven. The demo has five songs, and I wish there were more. The lyrics on this demo stick with that hardcore mentality which is good because a lot of these bands nowadays are just about X-Rated Swatches and perfect hair (I will not name names, but go to your average hardcore show). This demo has enough energy to come out of my speakers and slap me in the face.

Friends is the first track off the demo. Its lyrics pertain to togetherness and always being there for each other. Always keeping the faith, just as Raybeez requested.

Fact and Fiction is a song about knowing where you stand. This song tells the listener to stay true to yourself, and to never judge others; especially when it isn't necessary to.

Back To Back is one of my favorite band/title songs, and I love that this came as the third song as opposed to the first or last song on the demo. It lets us know that Back To Back means business. It's about not changing on your friends or turning your back on them; especially when someone goes the extra mile.

First To Squeal is my favorite song off this because it just reminds me of a bunch of old "pals" I had in the past that don't know how to keep their mouth shut, and I got in trouble because of it in one way or another. "You don't know how to be real, and of course you'd be the first one to squeal." Those are just some of the lyrics in this song. They send out a very serious message. I'm sure nobody likes the snitch in a group, so this one goes out to all of those with big-ass mouths.

Breaking Point was written to keep the listener on the right path. It's a song that describes how stress and other factors can act as obstacles. It also suggests that you need to keep yourself in the right direction, and to not let the negative factors get the best of you.

Moving on to the Live at Mango's Set (2012), I found myself rather angry that I wasn't in attendance. Vacant shreds pretty hard. Anxiety Attack sounds so raw, and it just reminds me of some old, violent, Boston sounding madness. I could barely hear any vocals, but that's honestly how you know that it was a pretty solid set. I'm sure a lot of kids were going nuts, and just having a hell of a good time. That's why I still like going to see certain bands. The atmosphere is intended to be fun and everyone should be looking out for one another. I feel that's what Back To Back shows are all about; despite the fact that I've never had the chance to see them.

I would seriously check these dudes out. I don't know much about music from Houston, but all I can honestly say is that these guys are probably one of the few that are doing it right nowadays. I hope they make their way to The Big Apple because I would back that show 110%. If you're interested in listening to this band you can check out their Bandcamp (Click Bandcamp). This band is definitely for fans of fun, raw hardcore. FFO RZL DZL, Rival Mob, Mental, Boston Strangler, Negative FX.

Once again I want to shout out my bud David Rosales for the recommendation.