This Friday, a supreme chronicle of hardcore cassette culture finds Asbury Park, New Jersey, as The ShowRoom hosts a screening of the New Breed Documentary with a Q&A led by NYHC: New York Hardcore 1980–1990 author Tony Rettman.
Action kicks off at 8PM, and the ShowRoom is located at 707 Cookman Ave. in Asbury Park
The New Breed Documentary chronicles a cassette compilation put out by Freddy Alva and Chaka Malik in 1989. New York hardcore was undergoing a transition at the end of the ’80s, and this generational shift was exemplified by the bands featured on the compilation. The story of the tape is at heart the story of New York City, both for kids that grew up in the five boroughs as well as people from related outposts in Long Island and Yonkers. A unique set of social/economic circumstances during the ’70s and ’80s influenced the individuals that went on to make up the New York hardcore scene.
This full-length documentary profiles the band members, fanzine editors, record label heads, and fans that made up this vibrant scene. NYHC book author Tony Rettman provides the narration. A feature film focusing on an outdated analog format might sound strange, but through the eyes of these individuals a spotlight shines onto tumultuous times in a tribute to a bygone era.
