Fastbreak 'Fast Cars, Fast Women' LP: Bridge Nine Exclusive Variant

In the late 90s, no one carried the torch for Youth Crew hardcore like FASTBREAK. Formed in 1994, the Connecticut band quickly made a name for themselves in the New England area, thanks to their explosive approach to fast-paced hardcore music and unrelenting positivity. Their sound was a true successor to the upbeat style of bands like Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today. Their energy made them a staple in Connecticut hardcore, as they became a fixture playing alongside bands like H2O, Bane, Ten Yard Fight, Right Brigade, and more.

Despite their significant impact on the hardcore scene, Fastbreak's recordings had long been out of print and unavailable on streaming services. We are so excited that Iodine Records is able to re-release Fastbreak’s seminal debut album, Fast Cars, Fast Women, and that we are able to offer an exclusive variant (limited to 200). Originally released in 1998, every idea, riff, and rhythm on the record feels as fresh as ever. Songs like “Said and Done” and “Places Trades” are bursting with pure exuberance and energy. In a time when bands were getting darker and gloomier, Fastbreak was a breath of fresh air, bringing a more inviting energy to the genre.

Fastbreak’s ideas were extremely ahead of their time, predicting the future fusion of hardcore and pop-punk that would go on to take over the world. Their influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, blending the raw energy of hardcore with the immediacy of a positive attitude and approach. It’s a painfully underrated record, but thankfully, listeners now have a chance to realize just what was going on.

Fastbreak’s Fast Cars, Fast Women features Patrick Rorick on vocals, Steven Pica and Neal St. Clair on guitar, Don Raymond on bass, and Luke Garro on drums. The album was produced by Dean Baltulonis and mastered at Metropolis Studios, and features liner notes written by Chris Wrenn (Bridge Nine Records) and Rama Mayo (BWR).

Due out March 28, 2025 - pre-orders will begin shipping on or around that date.

H2O "Faster Than The World" 25+ Year Re-Issue (Expanded 2xLP) Pre-Order NOW!

Bridge Nine is proud to re-issue H2O’s classic third album, Faster Than The World, on vinyl for the first time in twenty-five years! Originally released on Epitaph in 1999, this nineteen-song album has been expanded to include a 2nd LP featuring the band’s previously unreleased seventeen-song demo, which was produced by Tim Armstrong (Rancid) in 1998 and remastered by Paul Miner. H2O’s F.T.T.W. 2xLP lands in stores on February 28th, but you can pre-order two versions of it from Bridge Nine directly, today! Available on super-limited spatter vinyl (/200 copies) and this amazing-looking pinwheel vinyl (/550 copies):

H2O Photo by Jimmy Johnson

There are five other variants available from our partners, click each image to link to their respective stores!
RevHQ: Yellow Splatter x2 / 300
Coretex (Europe): Gold x2 / 200
Project M (Revolver / Brooklyn Vegan / Alt Press: 1 Yellow LP, 1 Green LP / 200

Available in select record stores on February 28th:
Indie Store Exclusive (North America): 1 Red LP, 1 Blue LP / 750
Cargo (Europe): Red/Black/Blue, Green/Black/Yellow / 300

F.T.T.W. FUN FACT: In 1999 Bridge Nine was just four years old and had only four releases under its belt. Label founder Chris Wrenn's day job was working in the art department of Boston's Tower Records, so Chris cut the "3" cover logo out of foam core by hand and painted this four-foot-wide display to promote their third release for Epitaph Records!

H2O “F.T.T.W.” album promotional display at Tower Records in Boston (1999)

Piebald "We Are The Only Friends We Have" LP: B9 Exclusive Variant

Update: SOLD OUT!

Now on vinyl for the first time in over 20 years, Piebald’s We Are The Only Friends We Have has earned its place as one of the most notable and iconic emo albums of the era. Completely remastered for vinyl by Jack Shirley (Joyce Manor, Quicksand). Completely reconstructed artwork created from negatives of the original photo shoot, and includes a retrospective essay written by the band. Originally produced by Paul Q. Kolderie (Radiohead, Pixies, Dinosaur Jr).

If you were to look up the word "piebald" in the dictionary, you’d learn that it means “having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white.” But if you were to ask any of their loyal fans, they’d probably refer to “Piebald” as one of their favorite bands of all time—a hard-to-describe, genre-less, energetic four-piece known for their raw, matter-of-fact lyrics, infectious hooks, fun live shows, and their penchant for doing everything on their own terms. And this year, Piebald turns 30!

Piebald was founded in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1994 by Travis Shettel (vocals/guitar/keys) and Aaron Stuart (guitar/vocals). Through Andover High School friends and siblings, Jon Sullivan (drums) and Andrew Bonner (bass) were added to complete the original lineup. In a time before cell phones, Spotify, or even Napster, Piebald became an integral part of the same indie, post-hardcore music scene of the Merrimack Valley that birthed musical monsters Cave-In and Converge.

On February 19, 2002, Piebald released their critically acclaimed third album, We Are the Only Friends We Have. Now joined by Luke Garro on drums, the band embarked on the most thrilling stage of their career. National radio airplay of singles “American Hearts” and “Just a Simple Plan” and tours with the likes of Minus the Bear, Glassjaw, Hey Mercedes, RX Bandits, Saves the Day, and New Found Glory led to more mainstream success and helped birth a cult following.

Piebald became recognized as “one of the most dependably fun bands of the late '90s/early '00s emo touring circuit,” and “kings of sing-alongs,” led by Shettel, who “crafted lyrics that could weave between intensely autobiographical, sociopolitical, and sarcastic.”

The band initially called it quits in 2008 but reformed in 2016 to celebrate the digital re-release of their catalog, and they haven’t looked back. Since their reformation, Piebald has toured with Dashboard Confessional, The Movielife, and Weakened Friends, reinstated their annual holiday shows, and graced the stages of festivals such as Boston Calling, Riot Fest, Furnace Fest, and Wrecking Ball.

Now, Piebald has teamed up with Iodine Recordings to remaster, repackage, and re-release their long out-of-print catalog, and there has even been talk of new music. The impact of Piebald on the alternative music scene is undeniable, and their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and fans. A toast to 30 years of Piebald!

Due out January 3, 2025 - pre-orders will begin shipping on or around that date.

Track listing:
01. King of the Road
02. Just a Simple Plan
03. American Hearts
04. Long Nights
05. Fear and Loathing on Cape Cod
06. The Monkey Versus the Robot
07. Karate Chops for Everyone but Us
08. Rich People Can Breed
09. It's Going to Get Worse Before it Gets Better
10. The Stalker
11. Look, I Just Don't Like You
12. Sex Sells and (Unfortunately) I'm Buying

Further Seems Forever "Hide Nothing" 20th Anniversary LP - Exclusive B9 Variant

UPDATE: SOLD OUT!

Bridge Nine is proud to offer a limited-to-100 copy variant of the Further Seems Forever Hide Nothing 20th anniversary LP - coming out on December 6th via our friends at Iodine Recordings!

The classic emo/indie-rock album from Florida's Further Seems Forever is back in print for the first time in 20 years. Featuring the late Jon Bunch on vocals, this was the final installment from the beloved band released in 2004. Repackaged and remastered with a deluxe gatefold jacket and a retrospective essay about the making of the album. Available on vinyl from Iodine Recordings and select indie retailers.

Reserve your copy HERE!

Track listing:
01. Light Up Ahead
02. Hide Nothing
03. Already Gone
04. Someone You Know
05. Make It A Part
06. All Rise
07. Call On My Life
08. Lead The Way
09. Bleed
10. For All We Know
11. Bleed [Acoustic]
12. Light Up Ahead [Acoustic]
13. Make It A Part - All Rise [Acoustic]

HAVE HEART: New Pressings of both LPs Available!

In celebration of Have Heart’s brief return to the stage this summer, Bridge Nine has repressed both of their albums in an array of colors! Available on cover artwork-matching splatter vinyl from Bridge Nine HERE!

We’ve also partnered with our friends at RevHQ (The Things We Carry, Songs To Scream at the Sun), Project M (Alt Press, Revolver, Brooklyn Vegan), and for our European fans, Coretex on some exclusive variants. Grab those while they’re available!

S.S. DECONTROL "Get It Away" 12" EP (B9 Exclusive) Pre-Order NOW!

Bridge Nine’s exclusive “black with white stripe” variant is limited to 300 copies and can be pre-ordered HERE! Shipping the week of July 19th.

Universally recognized as the first straight-edge band, SSD's (Society System Decontrol) 1982 debut The Kids Will Have Their Say is considered a landmark release for hardcore music. However, many fans consider their 1983 sophomore effort Get It Away to be the band's most crucial release. Most notable is the addition of guitarist Francois Levesque who joined the classic lineup of the "Boston Crew": Guitarist Al Barile, vocalist David "Springa" Spring, bassist Jaime Sciarappa and drummer Chris Foley.

Another dramatic shift for Get It Away was the improved recording quality of this recording. While The Kids Will Have Their Say was recorded during multiple session on 8-track recorders, Get It Away was recorded on 24-tracks at Downtown Studios in Boston and produced by Mike Bastarche and Lou Giordano (the latter of whom would go on to work with everyone from Hüsker Dü to the Goo Goo Dolls). "It was much more organized as far as the sessions went and we were more prepared," Foley explains. The result is a seven-song collection, including a cover of the Buzzcocks' "No Reply," that finally captured the veracity of the band's legendary live performances. "When I listen back, it sounds like the vinyl can barely hold all the sound," he adds.

That said, Get It Away isn't an easy release to describe?and the fact that hardcore didn't exist yet allowed the band to approach aggressive music in a way that didn't sound like anyone else. From the distortion-drenched groove of the opener "Glue" to the blistering chaos of "Under The Influence" and the avant-tinged experimentation of "Xclaim," Get It Away effortlessly captures a moment of Boston at a time before the scene was codified.

Ultimately, Get It Away is the result of five people and a confluence of circumstances that had to come together in a very specific way in order to create this sonic document. "I think sometimes the arc of a band intersects with the arc of public taste and you have a moment," Foley says. "Whether it's the cover art by Pushead (Metallica, Septic Death) or the pictures of us playing at CBGB on the back or maybe it's just how unique we sounded in 1983. I think for some people it captured a moment in time." Sciarappa adds, "When we were kids doing this stuff, I don't remember thinking about future relevance. I've got to admit it's pretty cool nowadays to hear how much the album meant to them and many have it in their top five hardcore albums of all-time, which is a nice compliment."

Following the 2023 reissue of The Kids Will Have Their Say, Trust Records is set to re-release Get It Away on vinyl July 19 and across digital platforms for the first time ever. It features remastered audio of these songs by Dan Johnson at Audio Archiving Studios and immaculate deluxe packaging - the Trust Records touch. The album has been out of print for almost three decades and is massively in demand amongst the band's rabid fan base - this is the first officially sanctioned repress of the album since its initial pressing back in 1983. Whether Get It Away is already one of your favorite albums or you're hearing it for the very first time, this is the definitive version of one of hardcore's most important releases.

B9 Auction: 9 Test Pressings & Rarities / B9HQ Renovations Continue

Work on the Bridge Nine HQ continues! We’ve moved downstairs and have begun renovating the lower level, while also working on new releases, so we’re selling some test pressings and rare records to help cover some of the costs. Bidding ends Sunday March 17th with the highest bid time stamped 9:00PM EST. Not on IG? Email your bid to b9auction@gmail.com and we’ll post it for you. Highest bid wins!

Bridge Nine Vinyl Auctions To Resume This Week!

It’s been over a year since our last auction, and we’re dipping into the archive again to help fund some upcoming projects and the continuing renovations here at the B9HQ! If you’ve followed our auctions in the past, we post nine different vinyl releases on the instagram page B9Auction from B9’s almost 30 year history, and auction them off over five days. Records will go up on Tuesday, March 12th. Bidders can open the bidding at their discretion and each subsequent bid must be a minimum of $5. We close the auctions the following Sunday at 9pm EST (6pm PST) and the highest bidder wins! Make sure to follow the IG page, and we’ll send out announcements via our socials and email list.

Stretch Arm Strong: Exclusive B9 Variant of "The Revealing" (Limited to 100!)

After nearly two decades, kings of posi-hardcore Stretch Arm Strong are back with a pipebomb of an EP.

Formed in Columbia, South Carolina in 1992, Stretch Arm Strong quickly made a name for themselves in the world of hardcore with their frenetic musicianship and unflinching positivity that crossed boundaries of belief and genre. The band initially went on hiatus in 2008 but made a significant return at Furnace Fest 2021. The festival's energy was palpable, leading the band not only to reconnect with countless friends from shows over the years but also with each other, reminding them of how rewarding playing music in Stretch Arm Strong is.

It was only a matter of time before the question of coming back together to write new music would arise. Recording with Steve Evetts, who was initially slated to produce 1999's Rituals of Life, turned out to be a total kismet. Their combined chemistry shines through, displaying an energy that recalls their heaviest moments as a band. "It was really refreshing to put an exclamation mark on this thing," says guitarist David Sease. "We did it the way we wanted to, had a good time, and expressed ourselves." The result of this is The Revealing, a true gem of a record and the model for what can be achieved on an EP.

From the outset, it doesn't sound like any time has passed since Stretch Arm Strong stopped. Opening track "The Mirror" slams forward with total ferocity and youthfulness, showcasing why they're still an important part of the scene. "Still Believe Part III" follows up on previous entries with an absolute crusher, concluding with a monster of a breakdown. On "Take a Stand," Stretch Arm Strong enlists Lou Koller from Sick of It All for a killer guest spot.

With six songs clocking in at under fifteen minutes, the EP’s brevity is a testament to the lightning in a bottle Stretch Arm Strong captured by taking the stage once more. No longer being kids and now being full-fledged adults with families and worlds outside of music, the bond between Stretch Arm Strong and their love for playing is a testament to what this music means both for them and the countless listeners who have joined them throughout this time. It’s a release that’s worthy of the band’s exceptional discography, and a record that can only exist with a once-in-a-lifetime friendship and focus that the band has.

The Revealing will be available on May 10th. Bridge Nine is proud to offer an exclusive variant of this new EP, limited to just 100 copies, on orange, silk-screened 12” vinyl! Reserve one HERE!

CEREMONY "Rohnert Park" LP Re-Pressing Is IN

Bridge Nine is proud to announce that our new pressing of CEREMONY’s landmark album, Rohnert Park is now available.

Bridge Nine has a special pressing on pink vinyl available HERE, and we’ve partnered with our friends at RevHQ and The Hard Times with yellow and orange vinyl, respectively.

Ceremony will have a special tri-color red, white, and blue record available at their show at the Hollywood Palladium on February 24th, 2024.

Click the images below to order each variant:

Other variants available from our friends:

DYS "Brotherhood" LP - Green Vinyl Pressing PRE-ORDER

We are excited to announce that the first pressing of the DYS Brotherhood 40th Anniversary LP sold out so quickly, that we already have a new pressing at the plant! If you missed out, we now have a translucent green vinyl pressing that will ship out in early March. Reserve a copy of it HERE!

Crime In Stereo "Explosives and the Will To Use Them" LP - limited to 123 copies on silver vinyl

Bridge Nine’s limited-to-100 silver vinyl variant of CRIME IN STEREO’s “Explosives and the Will To Use Them” LP on Blackout! Records

Crime In Stereo's first album Explosives and the Will to Use Them turns 20 this year! To celebrate, Blackout! Records pressed the album to vinyl for the first time ever. There are four variants available from Blackout!, Indie Retail / Distro, Bridge Nine, and the band's own label, House of Commons. This pressing features restored artwork originally created by Ryan Patterson as well as spot varnish on the album cover.

Bridge Nine is proud to offer a B9-exclusive silver edition of this record, in conjunction with Blackout! Records, limited to a pressing of just 123 copies on silver vinyl.

Tracklist:
1. Amsterdamned!
2. Warning: Perfect Sideburns Do Not Make You Dangerous
3. Play It Loud Fuckers
4. What A Strange Turn Of Events
5. Compass And Square
6. If You Think Were Talking About You, We Are
7. Barfight On Bedford Ave
8. It Ain't All Hugs And Handshakes
9. Here's To Things Gone Wrong
10. No Gold Stars For Nationalism
11. Terribly Softly
12. Arson At 563

Reserve your copy HERE!

ID & Chris Wrenn on the NYHC Chronicles

For those not in-the-know, Drew Stone of Incendiary Device hosts a weekly live show: The New York Hardcore Chronicles Live! This past Sunday, he had his friends and bandmates from ID join him alongside Chris Wrenn of Bridge Nine to discuss their debut album and more! Check it out HERE. All variants of the Incendiary Device record are shipping now so grab one!

War On Women "Wonderful Hell" LP re-press is in!

War On Women’s third full-length album, Wonderful Hell, is back in its 2nd pressing. This time, we mixed a black spatter with a dark oxblood red vinyl. In stock in the Bridge Nine record store and shipping now; grab a copy HERE!