NYC’s Shelter have finally caught up with Victory Records after stints on three other indie labels to release another installment of Ray Cappo’s krishnacore, When 20 Summers Pass. Having once fronted the legendary 80’s hardcore outfit, Youth Of Today, Cappo still has the songwriting knack for grabbing kids’ souls with truthful and emotionally-driven songs. They reflect his time overseas where he studied Sanskrit, natural medicine, and Yoga. Shelter’s sound has barely changed in its ten year existence, which is why they’re still considered leaders in the youthcore movement.
The album begins with the title track and rolls through eleven more songs of theory, optimism, and history from Cappo’s enlightened mind. “Song Of Brahma” tells of a night in Buffalo where the worthless skinhead regime reigned, while “If There’s Only Today” has Cappo delivering a eulogy of sorts to fallen friends and his turbulent past. The traditional NYC hardcore sound is a constant throughout, which might turn off a first time listener. However, any fan of the band and of underground music in general will probably rave about When 20 Summers Pass’ dedication to the old-school hardcore style, which is slowly phasing out of music because of so much genre jumping. It’s bands like Shelter that will keep the torch lit for newcomers, and promote self-fulfillment through music, a message every band should absorb.
Cappo is not afraid of growing old; he’s afraid of growing up. His years in India taught him that life is about living now, not for the future. Shelter continues to prove themselves as a band with continuity and dedication to a scene. That scene may have evolved over the years, but there are still many kids out there looking for answers, and When 20 Summers Pass may be the bible they look to.
+ rick hinkson
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