Strychnine – “Born in a Bar”

Dropping in 2004 as their definitive full-length statement, Born in a Bar captures the absolute peak of Strychnine’s gritty, bruising Bay Area street punk style. Released on vinyl by Depth Charge Records and No Rules Records, with TKO Records handling the CD release, the studio album refines the sonic assault the band honed on the road. The tracks are steeped in the classic, blistering structures of 1980s American hardcore, heavily channeling the driving tempos of The Lewd and the anthemic, dual-guitar urgency of Social Distortion, all while maintaining a darker, more volatile edge. It stands out because of its tight musicianship and cynical lyricism, balancing breakneck pace with surprisingly memorable hooks on staples like Shit Or Git and the sprawling closer Fuck Yer Mirror. The record remains a high-water mark for the early-2000s West Coast underground punk scene.

Track Listing:

01. No Vyktum No Crime – 3:22
02. Follow Yer Leader – 2:34
03. P.C.A.T.I.P.O.M. – 1:42
04. Eight & 3 Quarters – 2:31
05. Shit Or Git – 2:09
06. Lil’ Duvel – 2:25
07. The Life You Lead – 3:48
08. Hate Finger – 2:03
09. Strychnine – 2:39
10. Goin’ Nowhere – 2:45
11. Idiot For You – 2:21
12. Icons – 2:36
13. Fuck Yer Mirror – 9:38