Drug-free body politic

>> Dennis Merrick of Earth Crisis on his unhippie ways

By ADAM GOLLNER

 "(I) don't smoke/ Don't drink/ Don't fuck" --"Out of Step," Minor Threat

 When teetotalin' Ian Mackaye defined his lifestyle as "straightedge" in Minor Threat's lyrics, he probably didn't suspect that thousands of "enlightened" kids would one day pledge lifetime allegiance to a subculture inspired by his abstinence.

 Certainly one of the 20th century's more peculiar youth movements, straightedge seems more suited to alfalfa-growing forty-something lesbian nuns than to filthy, gnashing, grindcore-playing manimals with big Xs inked on the backs of their hands. With all the recent media hoopla surrounding the movement (especially prime time news reports about straightedge violence), we got the straight dope from the doyens of militantly clean-livin' noise terror, Earth Crisis.

 "Straightedge is pretty simple, if you think about it," explains drummer Dennis Merrick. "It's a lifetime commitment to abstain from any kind of mind-altering drug, legal or illegal, and to abstain from promiscuous sex. It's a pretty strict lifestyle."

 When not making sure to avoid fun at all costs, Earth Crisis have been bonin' up their political platform. "When we first started, we were dedicated to spreading the message of animal rights and the benefits of living a drug-free life. Over the years, our message has expanded quite a bit. We deal with a lot more issues now. We're trying to let people know about all the struggles going on around the world, all the oppressed people. We're trying to forward a message of peace through action."

 Yes, Earth Crisis are basically hippies, without all that pesky marginalia (like psychotropic sugarcubes and free love) getting in the way. "The big difference between us and the hippie movement is that we believe in taking definitive action towards reaching goals. We're not about sitting back and talking about things and letting things happen. We call people on their shit and hold them accountable for what they do."

 This heated, in-yo'-face ethical righteousness has garnered the lads a few enemies. Earth Crisis have been roundly vilified for supposedly subscribing to extreme right-wing views like homophobia, fascism and anti-abortionism. With lyrics like "for the foetus, we will attack," certain criticisms appear well-founded. Others, like intentional misquotes (one nefarious interviewer falsely claimed that they referred to native Americans as "pathetic"), seem to have been part of a bigger anti-Earth Crisis effort.

 "It was retarded. At the height of the backlash against us, we put out a record which has an essay in it regarding our views. People would protest us and heckle us. We were like, 'Have you even read our lyrics?' It became a cool thing to hate us."

 Naysayers have since ceased squirting milk and throwing yogurt at the band, as Earth Crisis seem to have prevailed in convincing their detractors of the legitimacy of their views. "There is still disagreement within the band about abortion and how to solve the abortion problem," says Merrick. "But we are against racism and homophobia. We identify with feminist politics. We're trying to bring a relatively new and radical politic to the forefront of the music scene." Groovy, baby! :

 These are straightedge
 Even if the explanations are longer than the songs, few bands can match straightedge hardcore bands for sheer lyrical intensity and righteous anger. In that spirit, here are the shortest, most intense band bios you're ever likely to see.

 * Formed in 1981 in hardcore mecca Washington, D.C., Minor Threat defined the movement, giving it a name with their EP Straightedge.

 * Based out of Buffalo, N.Y., Snapcase have been putting out vegan straightedge records for over 5 years. Their new album, Designs for Automation, came out last Monday on Victory records.

 * Despite being from California, Straight Faced don't share the sound or attitude of Epitaph label mates NOFX or Lagwagon. Serious, intense hardcore with a hard, funky bass line.

 * After Minor Threat's breakup in 1983, vocalist Ian MacKaye played in several bands before forming Fugazi, the ultimate rock non-stars. Since 1988, Fugazi have been the blueprint for the straightedge vegan DIY lifestyle.

 * The seminal NYC straight edge band, Gorilla Biscuits were unique because instead of looking down on those who didn't share their views, they advocated respect and unity.

 * Taking the straightedge vegan message further, adding in causes such as animal liberation and environmental consciousness, Earth Crisis has been featured on MTV and in the New York Times. One of the most overtly political bands of our era.

 * They've toured with Sepultura, but Strife have a unique message that's kept them strong despite changes in personnel. Next month, Strife will become the first Victory hardcore band to tour Australia. :

 -- bios by Michael Citrome

 

Earth Crisis with Cro-Mags, All Out War and Shutdown at Rainbow, Sunday, Jan. 30, 8pm, $15, All ages