MIRACLE DRUG interview

Miracle Drug

How Much Is Enough

WAR Records

Interview by hutch for new noise

With: Matt Wieder (guitar) and Bricks Avalon (vox)

Release Date: 07.21.17

MIRACLE DRUG:

Bricks Avalon – Vocals

Matt Wieder – Guitar

Jeremy Holehan – Bass

Thommy Browne – Drums

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Miracle Drug is a recent Louisville, KY hardcore band. Comprised of elder statesmen, Miracle Drug boasts members of CR, By The Grace Of God, Supertouch and Mouthpiece. This incendiary quartet has sparked an intense discussion as they release How Much is Enough on WAR Records. This EP, a follow up to their demo, drips palpable passion through speakers among guitarists’ Matt Wieder’s chaotic chords and furious rhythms of Jeremy Holehan, bass, and Thommy Browne, drums, as lead singer, Bricks Avalon, warns and critiques modern society.

Miracle Drug’s sound is a throwback to a mix of the members’ ‘90s sound, DC hardcore, and a vibrant contemporary feel. After a decade of trying to start a band with Browne, Wieder explains the anticipation of their first rehearsal. “We sent Bricks a practice tape of what we had written and he showed up to the first rehearsal with what seemed like a million scraps of paper with lyrics scrawled on them. He didn't really say much. He just laid the papers out all over the floor and said he was ready to try one. We counted off the first song and it felt like a bomb went off in the room. The dude brought full intensity from the very first note. What he did on that very first run through of the song is pretty much exactly what ended up on our demo.”

Miracle Drug went to Will Allard and his basement studio, DotComplex to record How Much Is Enough. Allard’s job was to capture the six tracks of potent hardcore as he has with bands Xerxes, Whips/Chains, and Coliseum. Wieder, content with their demo, explains this was another casual approach. But the product was undeniable to all involved. Wieder reveals, “We originally went in with the idea of just doing demos of a couple of songs to send around to labels.” To harness Miracle Drug’s full energy and emotion for How Much Is Enough’s ardent commitment to off-time rhythms and sonic explosions, the band blasted through their tracks. Wieder adds, “When we got in there and started working with Will, we had so much fun that we ended up just recording all the new songs we had. We're not really a band that dives deep into the recording process. So, I don't think we spent more than a few days total making the record.” Mixing Shawn Brown style hardcore (Swiz, Dag Nasty, and even Jesuseater), Miracle Drug weave in ‘90s metallic sparsity from bands like 108 and Threadbare. “I don't think we had any specific intention in regards to sound other than playing aggressive, energetic hardcore. We're all products of the 90's hardcore scene so I think that just sort of naturally creeps into the music we write,” concludes Wieder.

After two April hometown live shows, the internet is erupting with fiery praise. Bricks speaks humbly regarding the hardcore scene’s enthusiastic embrace. But he also knows it is earned. “We always go hard in the paint. We do this because we love to do it. The reaction has been more than we could have expected. We are so grateful.” Miracle Drug, comprised of road dogs and scene vets has apparent sincerity. Back by Strife’s Andrew Kline and his label, WAR, word of mouth is roiling about the new EP. Miracle Drug have used this and some savvy to get the word spread. It’s slightly easier now. “Obviously, the major difference is the internet and specifically social media. 20 years ago, you had to really get out there and play shows for anyone to really take notice. These days, everyone has access to a worldwide audience through the internet. You can post a song online and reach a huge audience with a few clicks of a button. Honestly though, in some regards it may have been a little bit easier back in the day. It seems like there are so many choices and things are happening at such a rapid pace that it's pretty easy to fall by the wayside if you don't remain active and in the front of people's minds,” states Wieder.

Later this year, Miracle Drug will return to recording more songs. For now they will continue their dominance of stages. The final weekend of July sees them playing This Is Hardcore on the 30^th. The day before, they play with Kill Your Idols and Violent Society; both in Philly. August sees them play another fest in Kentucky, For The Kids, and Matter Fest in Indiana. After that, the plan is to run down the West Coast.

While Miracle Drug has fun – this is not just for fun. Bricks is venting his frustration and documentations of attained by viewing this world of greed and self-driven purpose. Avoiding total cynicism, the current social climate, however bleak, leaves a trace of hope. “There is always hope. I see struggle, and speed, and growing pains, and confusion and greatness and total expansion,” says Bricks, narrating his mindset when peering onto the new generation and their antecedents. Check the lyrics of “Liars”:

 

“Liars and hypocrites. Aren’t We? Well, aren’t you? Everyone is…Everyone. All this truth is slightly twisted We can all find facts to prove any opinion.”

Evaluating the debates – or bandied tirades to be frank, Bricks admits a pessimism. “There are always frustrating moments, where heated, opinionated debate and/or disagreement take place. Times that you feel like the absolute speaker of truth. Then you realize that most of your truths are faiths/opinions, beliefs steeped in your own conscience. Even The Unabomber relied on outside sources.” That stark example echoes nations of consumers vying for material items and touting competition.

As the younger hardcore crowds flock to become envelope in Miracle Drug’s sweat and piercing conventions, they must surely seek advice on getting their own bands moving. Brick shirks any paternal role and basks in the punk ethos of one level ground. He states, “We don't advise. We share. We give and we take in the same vein that any active band or person in a community would. We utilize our strengths and experience and continue to learn and grow from our new experiences, whether it be through youth, new venues, new bands, current issues, etc.”