Gorilla Biscuits

Gorilla Biscuits: A Look into the Legacy of the Hardcore Legends
If you're a music lover who's into punk or hardcore, you've probably heard of the iconic band Gorilla Biscuits. The New York natives gained a following in the late 80s and early 90s with their fast, high-energy tracks, gaining them a reputation as one of the best bands in the genre. Let's delve into the musical biography of Gorilla Biscuits, discussing their unique blend of music, their best songs, famous concerts, and a few critiques along the way.
Before Gorilla Biscuits formed, guitarist Walter Schreifels had already made a name for himself in the NY Hardcore scene, playing with both Youth of Today and Civ. In 1987, he set out to form his own band, and Gorilla Biscuits was born. Their 1989 debut album Start Today gained critical acclaim and was heavily played in the hardcore scene. With heavy guitar riffs, driving drums, and positive lyrical themes, Gorilla Biscuits created a unique sound for themselves that combined punk, hardcore, and a touch of pop.
One of the band's standout tracks is New Direction, which starts with a catchy, bass-heavy riff that gets the crowd moving. When the chorus hits, you can't help but sing along to the empowering lyrics, Get up, stand tall, put your back up against the wall, 'cause they're gonna try to knock you down. Biscuit Power is another memorable track, with a playful intro and an energetic guitar solo in the middle that always gets fans moshing.
Gorilla Biscuits made a name for themselves playing intense live shows that often resulted in mosh pits and stage diving. One of their most famous concerts was at the now defunct venue CBGB in 1989. The energy of the night was captured in a video of Start Today that went viral and is still a fan favorite. As their popularity grew, they began sharing the stage with other iconic punk and hardcore bands like Bad Brains, Sick of it All, and Youth of Today.
While Gorilla Biscuits disbanded in 1992, they left a lasting impact on the hardcore scene and inspired future bands in the genre. In the years since their breakup, fans have often requested a reunion, which finally came in 2005. Since then, they've played a handful of shows and continue to inspire those who love fast-paced, high-energy music.
Despite their success, Gorilla Biscuits has faced some critique over the years. Some have claimed that their positive lyrics were overly simplistic and cheesy, while others have criticized their performance style as being too flashy and rock-star-like for a band playing in a hardcore scene. However, it's hard to deny the clear influence that Gorilla Biscuits had over the NY Hardcore scene and punk music in general.
Gorilla Biscuits might not be the biggest name in music, but their impact on the NY Hardcore scene is undeniable. Their unique sound, positive lyrics, and intense live shows earned them a place in the history of punk and hardcore. If you're a fan of high-energy music and haven't had the chance to check them out yet, give Gorilla Biscuits a listen, and you're sure to be hooked.
Gorilla Biscuits might not be the biggest name in music, but their impact on the NY Hardcore scene is undeniable. Their unique sound, positive lyrics, and intense live shows earned them a place in the history of punk and hardcore. If you're a fan of high-energy music and haven't had the chance to check them out yet, give Gorilla Biscuits a listen, and you're sure to be hooked.