Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today (Album Review)

 

Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today

(1989)


My copy: 2021 reissue on red vinyl by Revelation Records.


Start Today was one of the most popular hardcore albums ever released by Revelation Records, and Gorilla Biscuits accrued a large following with their searing energy and full five-man lineup that featured two talented guitarists. Their second album, Start Today is a non-stop sledgehammer of propulsive hardcore chugging and visceral vocals. 

“New Direction” features a tongue-in-cheek sample of horns to set the mood before a delayed explosion plunges listeners into fierce guitar and descending riffs. The first track charts the course for the album: most songs begin with a blistering four chord riff before launching into a breakdown. What makes Start Today great is that Anthony “CIV” Civarelli’s vocal performances are thoughtfully performative in the sense that he jumps from melodic singing to irate snarls in an instant. “Stand Still” has CIV bouncing from intense shouts to spoken preaching, all surrounded by exceptional cymbal-work and tight tempo changes. 

Anti-facist sentiments ring out on the breakneck “Degradation” which is more of a straightforward hardcore track. CIV is a clever vocalist who demonstrates throughout the record that hardcore songs do not need to be void of melody or interesting lyrical content. It’s clear that Gorilla Biscuits would influence many later pop-punk acts as songs on Start Today do dip their toes into pop with tantalizing guitar melodies and occasional sunny chords matched to CIV’s singing voice that sneaks its way in between the furious shrieks. 

“Start Today” is more proof that Gorilla Biscuist are trying to fuck with the formula rather than make something typical: the track begins with a strange lo-fi affected take before fully kicking off, then denies audiences a typical release in the chorus by keeping the instrumentals tense. A cheeky harmonica solo also sneaks its way into the end of the title track. “Competition” features whistling in its breakdown and “Time Flies” is more evidence of CIV’s charisma. “Cats And Dogs” is perhaps the most poignant track as it laments the effects of the meat industry overtop the best tempo change that locks into place effortlessly. 

While a lot of the tracks here are formulaic, the energy is off the charts and the production allows some of the magic of a live sound to leak through the speakers. Even though not everything about Start Today is revolutionary, the album only sits at 24 minutes and doesn’t feel bloated. There’s something special about the unique dynamic struck by Gorilla Biscuits on Start Today, with just the right amount of melody to keep the usual atonal nature of hardcore in check that it feels fresh to this day. 

This album is still very available in many pressings.


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