Ever have one of those days when it all just clicks into place, and suddenly everything makes sense? I’ve had those days. On one of those occasions, H2O fell into place. You see, for a long time, I viewed them as a novelty band, a guilty pleasure (not like Good Clean Fun novelty, of course).

That first album is supremely awesome, but the commentary always seemed like a gimmick to me. Then one day, it all made sense, “This band is legit.” After 10+ years of sweat, blood and tears, this band is still 100% authentic hardcore. This band ISN’T a novelty, they are THE REAL FUCKING DEAL. After coming to this realization, I gladly went back through their whole catalog with an open heart and a clear mind and realized each album is full of gems. It doesn’t hurt that the band is full of REAL people. Toby is one of the most genuine, down to earth mother fuckers out there. The same can be said of Rusty and the rest of the gang. Down dudes rocking the fuck out.

Feel free to snicker at me (maybe it’d be best if you did it behind my back, thanks) but I’m a fan!

One of my favorite shows was at the Met Cafe back on a sweltering June day in 2000 or 2001. It was pouring out and the club was jammed with kids. You couldn’t move. If you lifted your feet, you probably could have been held aloft by an unknowing crowd. And everyone was there to see H2O. And H2O did not let them down. A great show with plenty of excellent dives. I recall Mr Jay Bil had quite a few excellent ones (as always). The energy of that show was electric, and it embodies the spirit of H2O.

Don’t forget your roots.