I talked with guitarist Jim Connolly about hardcore, their influences, and what he dug most about the recent and already “notorious” Burning Fight book release show.

MORGAN Y. EVANS: Ok, you guys have made a terrific full length with Cycles and I really admire the way you have bridged styles between the ‘90s AmRep and underground influences and the varied hardcore elements. I love a lot of hardcore bands today, including younger ones, but also wish more kids knew about cool bands like June Of '44 and Tar and the early Helmet years, Dope, Guns And Fucking comps, etc. How'd you guys decide on the direction for this “debut” record?

JIM CONNOLLY: We just write whatever we want to write. Bridge 9 threw the AmRep thing in the press kit, aside from maybe Helmet I don't think we actually have that vibe on this record. Honestly we just come up with stuff and if we like it, we keep it. We don't preconceive a direction when we write.

MYE: I can hear it in some of your higher guitar tones, the weirder frequencies remind me of Chris Spencer, but, ok. You guys played with friggin' Snapcase!? That's awesome. What can you tell Crusher readers about the experience? That's totally another band that never colored inside the lines. Even on their more "conservative" releases like Designs For Automation ("conservative" in that it wasn't as experimental as Bright Flashes, for example), they'd still have some powerhouse left field jam like "Ambition Now". I feel like you guys are a great pairing in passion and sonic execution.

JC: It was ok. Snapcase stayed in their band room the entire time and refused to play "Steps." 108 blew them off stage both nights. This question should be about playing with 108 because they are still relevant and write passionate, honest and intense music.

MYE: Well, 108 rules too, but I don't think a band breaking up makes them less relevant if the music is powerful, but... you guys are in Europe right now, correct? How has the trip been so far. You guys are already known as road dogs and have played Central America also. Can you tell some stories about the current touring and maybe an anecdote about challenges you've faced in other countries?

JC: Eric (Anagnostis - bass) almost got kidnapped in Nicaragua. That was funny. Turns out $5 in cold hard American cash can get you out of trouble down there. Europe was OK, some spots are better than others. It’s just like touring the states except most of the food is in slop form.

MYE: How did you decide Bridge Nine Records was the right place to (finally) do a full length? Some people thought you never would! I love Bridge Nine and especially lately have been bumping the shit out of you guys and Dead Swans.

JC: They called. We listened. They understand what we want to do as a band, so working together made sense to us.

MYE: Ok, who is behind the comedy routines at the end of Cycles? I heard them early in the morning on the way to work, and it takes a lot to cheer me up under those circumstances, but you guys did. It isn't as bad as the Most Precious Blood CD where they explain the proper way to wipe your ass, though.

JC: That's Eric. He was a crook in the 1920's before this band started.

MYE: How do you guys feel knowing the Jesus Lizard is touring again? I haven't seen them in years. I think no other band influenced me to injure myself on stage as much. I wanna sue them for medical expenses, like the fake band Titanica on that episode of Mr. Show where the kid tries suicide because of the Titanica song "Try Suicide". I thought all front men were supposed to act like David Yow or they didn't count!

JC: I am pissed about it because I won't get to see it because we're on tour. David Yow is one of the best front men ever. You are correct there.

MYE: How was it playing the Burning Fight book release show for Brian Peterson's ‘90s hardcore book?

JC: It was the greatest show I've ever been to and playing it was an honor. Every band was in top form and it was great to see people checking the modern day bands that were on the show.

MYE: You guys did that banjo, rather interpretive Hendrix tune on your CD. How about a James Gang cover someday? I gotta say, I am from Woodstock, New York and grew up loving a lot of classic artists but mainly listening to music like you guys make, as (the true grit of Levon Helm excluded), a lot of what I saw around me had gotten so watered down and out of touch with revolutionary aspects.

JC: That song is called "Seal the Deal" and is about a half man/half seal. It is the brainchild of Trivikrama Dasa of 108.

MYE: [laughing] Lastly, the record sounds really gigantic with weird ass tones but great production. What is the secret formula (gear or dark rituals) you used/invoked?

JC: Well, if I told you it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now would it?