CONTRACIDE: DEMOS 1988-1991A.D.

CONTRACIDE started in 1986(a name thought up by Matt Vecchio in 1985 inspired by the UK Punk band, Crass, is meant to mean "Against Killing"). They were one of the first HC/Punk/DIY-inspired bands in the cultural wasteland of 1980's Elgin, Illinois. Co-founded by long-time friends, Matt Vecchio(Tragedy Clowns,Vegas Witchcraft,Mashers, Plastik Explosives, THE END IS NOW.)(aka:M.T. Idiot: vocals) and Scott Curce(Mashers)(aka:Boner: drums) after their prior punk band, Snoopy's Tapeworm had their name unceremoniously taken by a band from near-by Chicago. CONTRACIDE was soon joined by other long-time friends; Erik Pertl(S.A.T.,Tragedy Clowns,20 miles Away, Groovy Love Vibes,Vegas Witchcraft,Lord Blasphemer,Malas)(aka;Julio: Guitar/Bass) and Chris Musatto(Spazz Maggots,Day Zero,Primordial,Mashers,Repulsators)(aka:Mosquito: Bass/Guitar). during 1987-1988, CONTRACIDE played many shows, and would try to record songs in their basement rehearsal room with a primitive 2-track recorder with no great luck. Then, in 1989, they recorded their demo, WHY EVEN BOTHER?(tracks 2-8) on the same 2-track recorder with better success. As CONTRACIDE progressed as a band, they added a 2nd guitarist/backing vocalist, Cyndie Johnson(20 Miles Away,8-Bark) (Cyndie Hardcore: Guitar/Backing vocals) and, after Chris left the band to concentrate on his other band, SPAZZ MAGGOTS, a new guitarist was added. Dan Severson(S.A.T.,Suffrajett, and more..)added the guitar magic missing from CONTRACIDE's new Punk/Rock/Funk/Pop sound. In 1990 they recorded the demo, "OPTIMISTIC FATE" (songs 9-13). In 1991, they were asked to record a 7" for the now defunct Chicago Punk Rock label, Underdog Records. "NEVER FADE AWAY" (songs 14-17) were never released by the failing record label, so the band did what they always did, released it DIY-style as a cassette. After 4 years and too many shows to count, CONTRACIDE called it quits, and the members went off to perform in numerous other Chicago/Elgin bands. CONTRACIDE did do 2 re-union shows in 1994 for the opening of Matt V.'s Record store, OVER THE EDGE RECORDS in Elgin. THey played an in-store gig, and a benefit show for the record store at the legendary Chicago Punk club, The Fireside Bowl. **NOTE: The poor quality on this album is from the very old cassette demo tapes that these tracks were taken from. Sorry. Maybe if there's a request for better sounding tracks in the future, it'll be re-mixed/mastered better. Thanks, The lazy bastards @ SBS.COM.

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