Gothic Theatre
Donnybrook
Hardcore in 2004 has evolved into many things. Bands have infused elements from a multitude of musical genres, as well as utilized technology both as an instrument and to record with. In certain situations, it has done wonders and broke new ground. Other times it makes an already bad band even worse. However, there is a movement of bands and people in hardcore that are keeping things how it’s always been, and one of the bands at the forefront of that movement is Los Angeles’ Donnybrook. Hailing from a region of the country where the bigger acts are all doing their best to reach beyond the bounds of traditional hardcore, Donnybrook have taken the scene by storm, and have created quite a stir and gained a rabid following, and they haven’t even been around a year. They enfuse all the elements of traditional hardcore without relying too heavily on any specific element. They’re fast, then they’re heavy, and then they throw in a good mid tempo part. They don’t bombard you with heavy breakdown after heavy breakdown, nor do they throw together two or three blazing fast parts and call it a song. Donnybrook provide something for everyone. If you like to kickbox, there’s mosh parts for all. More of a old school/two stepping maybe? They got that too. You like sing alongs? The Brook have sing alongs a plenty.
Bottom Line: This is hardcore in its purest, unadulterated form. Donnybrook is going to be one of many Los Angeles and Orange County bands releasing records this year that are going to shatter the stereotype that the rest of the country has about Southern California hardcore. It’s not all haircuts and metal down here. Donnybrook is going to make sure that the rest of the country understands that.
