Whether we're aware of it or not, environment can play the biggest role in the formation of a band's sound. Our very ideas, attitudes, and perspectives are in many ways shaped by our surroundings. In the early 80s, when hardcore was synonymous with LA, Boston, and New York in many aspects, Th' Inbred cultivated a hybrid form of hardcore that, despite not being the most recognized, was arguably among the most interesting. Hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia, a city known more for coal mining than punk rock, Th' Inbred originally intended to form as the first hardcore band to incorporate a banjo. While the banjo was not used, the band did manage to fuse jazz and even bluegrass into their music and challenged the conventions of an audience that made the narrow minded punks of today seem tame in comparison. Th' Inbred released two full length albums ("A Family Affair" and "Kissin' Cousins") and an E.P. ("Reproduction") before disbanding in 1989.
Four Tracks from "A Family Affair" (1986)
The isolation of the band from the various hardcore scenes around the country in many ways helped shape not only the diverse music of Th' Inbred, it shaped the critical perspective that defined their lyrics as well. An all on assault on conformity, Th' Inbred challenged not only the conservatism prevalent in domestic politics but also the hardcore scene itself. From their isolated rural hell, Th' Inbred observed the mindlessness that existed in so much of hardcore from the popularity of straight edge crews (which the band likened to "punk rock fascists") to the profit-motivated practices of many independent labels who used a DIY ethos to exploit many bands. Were Th' Inbred brave or was their unique take on the world around them cultivated in exile from their musical peers? Regardless, that particular place was home to one of punk rock's most interesting and talented acts. Pick this stuff up kids.
"Positive Song"
- Joe