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THE REVIEW
It was 1981 when the Agnew brothers (later also known for playing in or forming bands like Social Distortion, D.I., or Christian Death) decided to record an album with their band from Orange County.
The five clean-shaven boys with angelic faces brought to life this work with a distinctive cover featuring an electric blue background with vibrant red lettering, all of which seemed to warn the public like a road sign with an important message: "This album will go down in history".
I'm sure that many who listen to Hardcore music have heard much harder and more powerful things, there's no doubt about it. The Adolescents are not one of those bands that push extremities with supersonic speed or with a voice just a breath away from guttural, they don’t play extremely short songs and the vocal line is quite catchy and melodic.
Despite this, their personality and charisma transformed them into one of the most imitated and envied bands on the Californian scene.
Revisiting the messages of English Punk, the Adolescents made the motto "NO FUTURE" their own, despising their neighbors' lives, society, and conventionality, occasionally leaning toward a Horror-Punk from the Misfits school. Painted as antisocial, egocentric, and defiant, they managed to achieve deserved success amidst the flourishing music scene of the time.
One of the masterminds of the group is undoubtedly the emblematic Rikk Agnew, a guitarist with artsy inclinations who already in 1981 was steering his personality towards darker paths.
Among the songs, we find memorable tracks like: "No Way", "Amoeba", "The Kids Of The Black Hole" or "Word Attack".
By purchasing the remastered version of the album, you can find some EPs included as bonus tracks: "Welcome To Reality" by the Adolescents themselves and "All By Myself," a power-punk album entirely written, played, and illustrated by Rikk Agnew.
This album, more than being told, should be listened to. I recommend it to anyone.
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Summary by Bot
The Adolescents' 1981 debut album is a seminal hardcore punk record that combined memorable melodies with the punk ethos of 'NO FUTURE.' Their distinct style and charismatic approach set them apart in the Californian scene. Featuring standout tracks like 'No Way' and 'The Kids Of The Black Hole,' the album remains influential. The remastered version adds bonus EP tracks from the band and Rikk Agnew’s solo work. This is essential listening for punk enthusiasts.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Adolescents
Adolescents are an American punk rock band from Fullerton, California, formed in 1980. Their 1981 self‑titled debut is a landmark of Southern California hardcore; key figures include vocalist Tony Reflex (Tony Cadena), bassist Steve Soto, and guitarist Rikk Agnew.03 Reviews
