Leftöver Crack
From Punkipedia
Leftöver Crack are an American punk rock band formed in 2000, following the breakup of the ska punk band Choking Victim. The band is currently signed to Fat Wreck Chords for CD releases, and Alternative Tentacles for vinyl releases. The band consists of Stza Crack (vocals), Ezra Kire (guitar, vocals), Brad Logan (guitar), Alec Baillie (bass guitar), and Ara Babajian (drums). Leftöver Crack are typically associated with Morning Glory, and INDK.
Leftöver Crack, combined with Choking Victim, Morning Glory and INDK, share a total of seven members between them. These seven musicians are collectively referred to as the "Crack Rock Steady Seven" (CRS7). The line-up of Leftöver Crack changes fairly often, drawing on members of other New York City punk bands such as The Stockyard Stoics and The X-Possibles. Stza, Ezra, Brad, and Alec are currently the band's only completely permanent members.
Leftöver Crack spans several different music genres including ska, hardcore punk, crust punk, classical music and death metal. Leftöver Crack state they write music that is anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, anti-religion, anti-racist, anti-police, anti-fascism, anti-imperialism, anti-capitalism and anti-government. Members of Leftöver Crack reside in the C-Squat on 155 Avenue C in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City, a punk house.
The band's name is explained by Stza as being "an oxymoron", based on the idea that crack cocaine addicts are known for vigorous use, and are unlikely to have any "leftover" crack.
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History
Leftöver Crack combines elements of ska, hardcore, crust punk, classical music, and death metal. Leftöver Crack's song Gay Rude Boys Unite, which seems to borrow some stylistic elements from Operation Ivy, accuses the punk scene of being homophobic, and called for the inclusion of all minorities in the struggle for social equality.
Leftöver Crack has been banned from performing in many venues in New York City, such as ABC No Rio, the Knitting Factory, and North 6th. However, they still play at banned venues under different guises such as the Crack Rock Steady Seven and by using the name of one of their side projects Choking Victim, or individually as solo acts. They repeatedly have trouble touring in certain countries, especially Canada, due to members having prior criminal records. They were most recently denied entry into Canada for a tour scheduled at the end of 2007.
The band took an indefinite hiatus after the death of drummer Brandon Possible at the end of 2004. Stza spent the interim playing Leftöver Crack and Choking Victims songs by himself at a few solo acoustic shows. Leftöver Crack began touring again in the summer of 2005, including some dates with Citizen Fish and The World/Inferno Friendship Society, as well as playing dates in October 2005 in California after the Wasted Fest was canceled. The so-called Crack Rock Steady 7 also embarked on a small European tour in November; however, this incarnation consisted of only Stza and The Infested, in some cases billed as the "Crack Steady Rockers".
Blacknoise Records released a 4 way split entitled "The Kids Are Gonna Pay" in March 2006 with Leftöver Crack contributing 1 song, "Look Who's Talking Now", other bands on the split are Morning Glory, F-Minus, and Bent Outta Shape. The 7" was limited to 1000 copies on white vinyl and is now sold out. The first 100 included limited edition patches designed by Brad Logan's wife, Kristen, and some included an insert.
On October 31st, 2006 Fat Wreck Chords released a 7" split with Citizen Fish. To support the release the 2 bands joined with other Fat bands, The Sainte Catherines and Dead to Me, went on a U.S. tour.The full length split with Citizen Fish, was released on March 6th, 2007 with Fat Wreck Chords releasing the CD version and Alternative Tentacles releasing the vinyl version, 1103 copies are on white vinyl. This release has been viewed by some fans as Leftöver Crack's poorest release to date, many viewing the split as sacrificing Leftöver Crack's signature speed in favor of an aruably slower-paced, accessible listen.
Discography
Full Lengths
Mediocre Generica - (September 11, 2001) Fuck World Trade - (August 31, 2004)
EPs
Rock the 40 Oz. - (May 8, 2000) Shoot the Kids at School - 2000) Rock the 40 Oz: Reloaded - (July 16, 2004)
Splits
Baby Jesus Sliced up in the Manger (as the Crack Rock Steady 7, with F-Minus), HellBent Records, 2001. The Kids Are Gonna Pay (with F-Minus, Morning Glory, Bent Outta Shape), Blacknoise Records, 2006. Leftover Crack / Citizen Fish Split 7" (with Citizen Fish), Fat Wreck Chords, 2006. Deadline (split album) (with Citizen Fish), Fat Wreck Chords, March 6th, 2007. (LP on Alternative Tentacles Records)
Compilations
Give 'Em the Boot I, (Infested) Hellcat Records, 1997. Give 'Em the Boot II, (Crack City Rockers[Demo]) Hellcat Records, 1999. Punk Rawk Explosion 6, (Nazi White Trash), ?, 2003. Give 'Em the Boot III, (Atheist Anthem) Hellcat Records, 2002. Go Kart vs. the Corporate Giant Vol. 3, (Rock The 40oz) Go Kart Records, 2002. 2003 Sampler, (So Ya Wanna Be A Cop) A-F Records, 2003. Fueling the Flames of Revolution Vol. 3, (One Dead Cop) A-F Records, 2003. Against Police Injustice,(Operation:MOVE, Super Tuesday[Demo]) Non Commercial, 2003. Mass Destruction, (Muppet N.A.M.B.L.A) BANKSHOT! Records, 2003. Riot Ska, (Drug Song, Nobody Is Free) Beer Records, 2004.
[edit] Live 2002: Straight Outta' Naples 2001: Live C-Squat 3/31/01
[edit] Bootlegs 2004: Fuck World Trade (demo)
[edit] Film 2007: Loren Cass (Gotham Award nomination)
