Various Artists | Locked in the Basement Vol. 1 | LP

Description

DCxPC Live & Locked in the Basement Vol. 1 is a brutal and unfiltered snapshot of underground punk and hardcore, capturing the raw energy of twenty bands recorded in a basement in Bethlehem, PA, between 2020 and 2023. Originally released as a ten-volume cassette series, this compilation brings together a selection of the most blistering, chaotic, and powerful performances, each chosen by the bands themselves. Featuring an eclectic mix of crust, thrash, hardcore, grind, and punk, this album embodies the true spirit of DIY, where every distorted riff, shouted lyric, and thunderous drum hit is preserved in its most natural form. Recorded by Jimmy Wolff and mastered by Matt Molchany at Shards Recording Studio, this collection immortalizes the basement show experience, where sweat drips from the ceiling, amps buzz with electricity, and the line between band and audience disappears into the frenzy of the pit. The lineup includes Carrousel’s old-school hardcore ferocity, World Breaker’s rock-and-roll-infused punk attack, and Video Massacre’s 80s horror-inspired hardcore energy, while Christ Chopper brings a heaven-scorching blend of punk and metal, delivering driving basslines and shrieking vocals that cut through the chaos. Soji’s hardcore punk energy is matched by the legendary NYHC veterans Urban Waste, whose crushing set proves why they have been a force since the 80s. Pubicide delivers grind-infused gore punk, while Dour’s sludgy, down-tuned heaviness drags the listener through the depths of raw, uncompromising aggression. One Sided’s street punk fury contrasts with Anticitizen’s relentless volatility, and Disaster Artist shakes things up with groovy, bass-driven punk. Spetters bring a touch of art punk weirdness reminiscent of 70s underground scenes, while Chiseled Lilies deliver melodic punk hooks that cut deep. Pale Fang’s gritty, hometown punk anthems round out the set alongside Alement, whose crusty, apocalyptic hardcore riffs crush everything in their path, and Nightfall’s piercing guitars and politically charged lyrics solidify their place as a standout in the DIY scene. Co-released by DCxPC Live, a label dedicated to preserving the energy of live punk, hardcore, ska, and metal, this album is more than just a compilation—it’s a time capsule of a thriving scene, a basement-fueled explosion of raw power and underground resilience that proves punk is alive, loud, and locked in the basement.