Sophie's Floorboard: 1.6 Band

1.6 Band were a four-piece hardcore band from Holbrook, New York that began in 1989 and broke up in 1993. They briefly reunited in 2009 for a few shows and a new EP. During their initial tenure, they released a full-length, two EP's and a split with labelmates Rorschach. All of this was compiled on 1996's Broke Up, which is definitely the essential release here. The band's unique approach to hardcore consisted of abrasive, cutting guitar shrieks overlaying frantic, off-kilter rhythms. There's a commonly cited quote comparing them to the Minutemen "in a very, very bad mood" and I think that description is pretty apt, especially in the guitar work. Gang Of Four might be a good point of reference as well. Add in the more melodic influence of bands like Dag Nasty and Embrace, and this band's sound starts to take shape. Having said that, by the time of Pimpin' Ain't Easy, they had really honed their unique spin on evolving hardcore, making for something distinctly theirs. Fans of bands such as Merel, Policy Of Three, and Assfactor 4 will definitely find something to love here, and members of 1.6 Band were also involved in The Crownhate Ruin, Beyond, and Canyon. Enjoy.