Supertouch

Supertouch sounds like the exact moment New York Hardcore decided it was okay to breathe. While their peers were focused on being the fastest or the toughest, Supertouch brought a sense of swing, melody, and genuine soul to the basement. It is music that retains the grit of the 1980s Brooklyn streets but filters it through a sophisticated musical lens that isn't afraid of a major chord or a reggae-influenced rhythm.

What makes them truly distinctive is the interplay between Mark Ryan's surprisingly melodic, almost soulful vocal delivery and Jon Biviano's inventive guitar work. They possess a rhythmic elasticity that feels more like Bad Brains or even The Police than the standard four-on-the-floor stomp of their contemporaries. It is hardcore that you can actually move to, rather than just collide to, featuring a warmth and musicality that was years ahead of its time.

Start with 'The Earth Is Flat'. It is the definitive statement of their sound, capturing that perfect balance between aggressive punk energy and the exploratory, post-hardcore textures that would eventually influence the entire 90s alternative landscape.