I believe this is a 7″ that would be considered ’self-titled,’ though there is something of a subject line underneath the band name on the record sleeve:

front sleeve

Oh and in case you couldn’t tell, this is a music post.

Ahem.

Step Forward Look West was a band out of the glorious DuPage Hardcore days, though towards the end of it. Well, at least the end of my time involved before I ran off to get numerous college degrees in other states (how dare I?!).

I seriously enjoy this record, still. I think it came out in 2002 at some point, and was recorded in November 2001. I know this because of the rockin’ silk-screened poster that came with buying the 7″. It’s seriously amazing, though too large for me to scan and share. Maybe I’ll take a horrible picture of it someday so you can see it in all its glory.

The names of the songs may very well be the best part of the record.

back sleeve

Now, prepare yourself for fast and loud. Explicit lyrics warning. And it’s probably worth saying that these tracks were ripped from a 7″ record using an ion usb turntable. And not ripped all that well, either. Well, that’s not true. They sound alright.

Side A-

1. a name on the board with three checks only means i can fuck up twice without getting in trouble.

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2. you can’t spell “goonies” without the word “go!”

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3. a disfunctional family is any family with two or more members.

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4. one two three not it!

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5. it’s open season on crybabies and you’re fucking next.

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Side B-

1. i never thought i’d say the words “i hate you” and fucking mean it.

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2. jesus, elvis, and the easter bunny walk into a bar.

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3. alice don’t surf.

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4. the tcri strikes again!

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5. it’s like pissing in a shower with a slow drain and standing in a stagnating pool of your own urine.

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Interesting how I believe I completely avoided using any profane words on this blog until this very post. And those profanities coming from just the titles of the songs.

Anyway, listen and enjoy.

Until next time.

The DuPage Collective

Just so you all don’t think I only listened to hardcore back in The Day, here is something a bit different. If you’re familiar with Alkaline Trio you should definitely know about Tuesday. Dan Andriano formed the band with Matt Stamps (guitar), and Rob Kellenberger (drums/vocals) some time in the mid 90s, ‘96 I believe. Tuesday is a bit hard to classify, but I’d say they’re in that nether region between pop punk and emo. Well, at least what emo used to be, which was not Crap.

Their first record was Early Summer, an EP released on Asian Man Records in 1997.

Early Summer - front cover

Early Summer - back cover

Tuesday is my Essential Summer Band. It’s association with the season may be related to the name of this EP, which is something I cannot confirm or deny. But there is just something essentially summery about Tuesday. Especially lazy summer evenings. Sunday car rides. Eating snocones. Going swimming. I can’t describe it, but Tuesday is just … a summer band. As much a summer band as The Casket Lottery is a autumn band. I’ll get to them later. Neither of which are technically Dupage bands, or Dupage Hardcore bands. But like I said, I’m sharing this in the interest of variety. And sharing The Awesome with the masses.

1 – It’s a Bright Light

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2 – One Day of Peace

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3 – That’s Not Like Me

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4 – So Awake

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Andriano and his lovely lisp would go on to be in The Alkaline Trio with Matt Skiba and a parade of drummers. Kellenberger went on to play in Duvall and Colossal. All great bands.

ek

I’ve posted quite a bit of music in the last few days, and had planned on waiting for a while until I shared something else. But it’s my birthday so I’ll do whatever I want!

The Lapis Sanctuary was pretty much my favorite band. The 7″ they released with The DuPage Collective was probably one of the best records to ever be released during the Hayday of DuPage Hardcore.

The Lapis Sanctuary - Front Sleeve

The Lapis Sanctuary - Back Sleeve

I’m not sure how many colors were pressed, but I know that there were clear green ones. Because that’s what I have.

Lapis Sanctuary disc

The insert is probably my favorite part. I love the selection of art and the layout with the lyrics and text.

Insert, pg. 1

Insert, pg. 2

Insert, pg. 3

Insert, pg. 4

Insert, pg. 5

Insert, pg. 6

Insert, pg. 7

Insert, pg. 8

The quality of the recording is really unparalleled. I did my best to make the cleanest digital copy that I could, but let’s be honest. Nothing will ever sound as good as a record played on a turntable through a good set of speakers. But I think these recordings turned out well. The stereo mix is incredible. Such a good album.

1 – Fair-say Question Hearsay

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2 – Render Nothing Sacred

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3 – Demise of the Half-Empty

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4 – In a World of Formal Handshakes …

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5 – Functioning on Autopilot

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I hope you enjoy this album as much as I do.
ek