Architects of Self-Destruction: The Oral History of Leftver Crack

(Paperback)

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An oral history in the vein of Please Kill Me

Leftver Crack is a band of drug abusing, dumpster diving, cop-hating, queer positive, pro-choice, crust punks that successfully blend ska-punk, pop, hip-hop and death metal genres. They've been banned from clubs, states and counties and kicked off multiple record labels. Theyve received teen-idol adoration and death threats from their fans. Theyve played benefits for a multitude of causes while leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

But, if you dig below the crusty, black metal-patch encased surface, you'll find a contemplative, nuanced band that, quite literally, permanently changed the punk rock community. By combining catchy ska-punk with lyrics that referenced political theorist Michael Parenti, drug usage, and suicide, the band formed a unique mlange that was both provocative and challenging. In fact, the bands hooks were so sharp that after releasing their debut LP, Mediocre Generica, an entire culture of Crack City Rockers grew around the band, pushing the youth towards both the positive and negative aspects of extreme punk rock.

Of course, being the combustible band that they are, the band has gotten involved in its far share of fiascoes: full-scale riots in Phoenix and NYC, getting punched out by their own fans, showing up to tour Florida with machetes after receiving death threats from the local gang.

Architects of Self-Destruction: An Oral History of Leftver Crack traces the band's entire history by speaking to the band members themselves, fellow musicians, their fans, and of course, those that still hold a grudge against the LoC... FYI, that's a lot of people.

Author Bio

Brad Logan is a punk rock veteran. In addition to playing guitar in Leftver Crack, he plays in classic OC Punkers the Adolescents, the hardcore band Rats in the Wall, the brutal F-Minus, and runs a satanic dog clothing company. He spent years on the road as guitar tech for such bands as Rancid, NOFX, Offspring, Alkaline Trio, and Flogging Molly, among others. Rancid even wrote a song about him and it was featured in the South Park movie.

John Gentile is a Philadelphia freelance writer. His work has been featured in publications including Rolling Stone, Vice, and MTV. He is also the features editor at Punknews.org. He can read Egyptian Hieroglyphics.