Neighborhood Shit: South Boston Hardcore

As gentrification wiped out everything that made Boston what it became known for in the movies, the screams of pain and anguish from the locals who were birthed in the 617 area code still seeped through the cracked concrete that paved over it. Neighborhood Shit began in 2012, one of the few bands in the scene from the storied and at one time primarily working class sector of South Boston. Taking their musical cues from the filth that enshrouded their youth and the fastest and crustiest bands in the scene they immediately took aim at the city’s contempt it has for its working class roots. They’ve been outcast by society, forced out of the neighborhood they grew up in and called home by people who had no roots, no claim to the area other than the almighty dollar. They sought for nothing less than the destruction of that society.

Neighborhood Shit’s story is the story of Boston Hardcore, written and presented through the tunes of their forefathers in local legends Blood For Blood. The story of a life wasted, a community built by their own hands and overcoming everything the city threw at them hoping they’d wither away and die. 14 years later, that day has yet to come.

Forming the band as young kids looking for some kind of community in the poisoned Boston streets they found that the best community was one they made themselves. Coming together under the Original Local banner, made up of friends from the neighborhood or those who stood by them even in the darkest of times, they soldiered on earning the admiration of anyone who found themselves at their homebase of the Boston Wreck Center or witnessed them at one of their countless local shows opening for legends like Kill Your Idols, Colin Of Arabia, Leeway and Slapshot to name a few.

Releasing 2 EP’s and a full length over the course of their career beginning with 2015’s Disgust, 2018’s S/T album and 2023’s Draw The Line they dished out anthems for the wasted youth of Boston. Certain tracks in their repertoire have become essential to Boston Hardcore’s lexicon like “Smashism,” “Bombs Away” and the anthemic “Destroy Your Hood” describing their disillusionment with Boston’s changing landscape and the evil that the government has wrought upon the world.

Now 14 years into their career Neighborhood Shit brings us their most focused, hard hitting and explosive release to date, the 6 song No Man’s Land EP. Playing on the release are longtime members Brendan (guitar), Terry (drums), Alex (vocals) and newer member Danny on bass after years of playing as a 3-piece. Those 14 years they’ve spent throwing down have only sharpened them and made their attack even more devastating, not just because they know their enemies better but because time has proven them right. Everyone, not just the born and bred citizens in this city are tired of the cost of living here, the same thing Neighborhood Shit has been fighting against for over a decade. The tide is finally turning in their favor.

Taking their anger out on bloodthirsty politicians and government officials killing the environment as well as quietly destroying their childhood home and loudly leveling homes in countries 90% of Americans can’t find on a map. The anger and speed that is injected into every riff Brendan rips out brings out the fury in Alex’s lyrics as well as the chaotic rhythms held together by Terry and Danny’s synergized playing.

Taking their crust punk influenced style in an even harder, and far more local direction, Neighborhood Shit’s found the perfect blend of crust legends like His Hero Is Gone with Lockin’ Out’s stompy brand of hardcore à la Rampage and The Rival Mob. Every track is a pummeling onslaught of chaotic Boston stamped, signed and approved hardcore, caked in the same mire and grime that washes down the city’s drains every day. As the city attempts to wash away its past sins, Neighborhood Shit is here to stab the bill into their foreheads.

No Man’s Land serves as not just a band realizing their potential but as the survivors of a lost city rising above the destruction and waste that tried to pull them under for over a decade. With this EP a new chapter begins for both Neighborhood Shit and their Original Local collective, the fight against the city rages on more desperately than ever but the soundtrack is sounding pretty damn sweet.

-Ryan O'Conner, No Echo

Photos by Robyn @ Residual Snaps NYC

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