Legendary in Vancouver for wild shows and gruff but catchy punk rock melodies, the beloved trio have lay dormant for entirely too long. Although spring of 2021 brought a strong self titled 4th release via Dirt Cult Records, the band has not played live since September of 2019.
For those who weren’t present during the glorious days when pogoing at a Needles//Pins show was a regular tonic for no fun city, their sound draws from classic punk roots like the wiry pop of The Buzzcocks and the gravely anthems of Stiff Little Fingers, but have a unique West Coast approach that would align them with the catchiest of the Lookout! or Dirtnap Records catalog. Though none of their songs overstay their welcome, you’ll find yourself humming one of their hooks days after seeing them play or hearing the record.

Grounding themselves in early 80s American hardcore, Long Knife is not afraid to delve into moments that could almost be classified as classic rock. Imagine Kiss playing Poison Idea, with a healthy amount of Japanese hardcore and even some British hardcore thrown in. It’s this unique mix that makes Long Knife one of the best current hardcore acts.

Calgary punks No Brainer combine the speed and ferocity of 80s hardcore with the sincerity and harmony of 90s SoCal: equal parts Bad Brains to Bad Religion.