Description

Excel – The Jokes On You – Cassette

Excel’s The Joke’s on You, released in 1989, is a defining album in the crossover thrash genre. Excel, a band hailing from Venice, California, is known for blending the speed and aggression of thrash metal with the intensity and attitude of hardcore punk. The Joke’s on You is their second full-length album and remains a standout release, encapsulating the raw energy and DIY ethos of the late 1980s metal and punk scenes.

Excel was formed in 1983, part of the Venice Beach scene that also spawned other notable bands like Suicidal Tendencies, No Mercy, and Beowülf. This scene was instrumental in the development of crossover thrash, a subgenre that combines the speed and technicality of thrash metal with the aggression and simplicity of hardcore punk.

By the time The Joke’s on You was released, Excel had already made a name for themselves with their debut album Split Image (1987), which was well-received in underground circles. The Joke’s on You took their sound to the next level, featuring tighter musicianship, more complex song structures, and sharper production. The album was released on Caroline Records, helping the band gain broader exposure.

The Joke’s on You showcases Excel’s signature style: fast, aggressive riffs combined with hardcore punk energy. The album is characterized by its powerful guitar work, rapid-fire drumming, and dynamic vocals, which alternate between aggressive shouts and more melodic moments. Excel’s music, while rooted in the aggression of thrash and punk, also incorporates elements of skate culture, which was closely tied to the Venice Beach scene.

The album blends the speed and precision of thrash metal with the raw, stripped-down approach of hardcore punk. The guitar riffs are heavy and fast, while the rhythm section drives the songs with relentless intensity. Like many bands in the crossover thrash genre, Excel’s lyrics often deal with social and political issues. Themes of alienation, frustration, and defiance are prevalent throughout the album, reflecting the band’s disillusionment with society and authority.

The band’s connection to skate culture is evident not only in their sound but also in their imagery and attitude. The aggressive, high-energy music on The Joke’s on You resonates with the rebellious spirit of skateboarding culture.

Key Tracks:

‘Drive’: One of the album’s most well-known tracks, ‘Drive’ is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled song that captures the essence of crossover thrash. The song’s aggressive riffs and intense tempo make it a standout.

‘Tapping into the Emotional Void’: This track is one of the album’s more complex compositions, featuring multiple tempo changes and intricate guitar work. The lyrics explore themes of inner conflict and frustration, making it one of the more introspective songs on the album.

‘Shadow Winds’: The title track is a perfect example of Excel’s ability to combine heavy riffs with punk attitude. The song’s sarcastic lyrics and driving rhythm make it a powerful anthem of disillusionment.

‘Seeing Insane’: A shorter, punchier track, ‘Insecurity’ exemplifies the band’s hardcore punk influence. The song is fast, aggressive, and to the point, with lyrics that deal with feelings of self-doubt and alienation.

‘Given Question’: This track highlights Excel’s ability to balance thrash aggression with more melodic elements. The song’s chorus is catchy and memorable, while the verses maintain the intensity typical of the band’s style.

The Joke’s on You is considered a classic within the crossover thrash genre, solidifying Excel’s place in the history of both thrash metal and hardcore punk. The album’s blend of fast, aggressive music with socially conscious lyrics resonated with fans of both genres and helped to bridge the gap between the metal and punk communities.

While Excel never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, such as Suicidal Tendencies or D.R.I., The Joke’s on You has maintained a cult following over the years. The album is often cited as an influence by later bands within the hardcore, punk, and thrash metal scenes.

For fans of crossover thrash, The Joke’s on You is a must-listen, offering a powerful and energetic snapshot of a band at the peak of their creativity. The album remains a testament to Excel’s contribution to the genre and their enduring legacy within the underground music scene.

Song List

1. Drive
2. Shadow Winds
3. Fired (You’re)
4. Tapping Into The Emotional Void
5. Affection Blends With Resentment
6. Seeing Insane
7. My Thoughts
8. I Never Denied
9. Message In A Bottle
10. Given Question
11. Stranger, The