Straight Edge
Located in 2 routes
Straight Edge is hardcore punk built around abstaining from alcohol, drugs and often promiscuous sex, turning personal discipline into scene identity. Musically it ranges from fast D.C. hardcore to youth-crew breakdowns and later metallic hardcore, but the vocals usually emphasize clarity, conviction and collective slogans. The X-marked hand, pile-on chorus and moral intensity are as recognizable as the riffs.
History
Minor Threat's "Straight Edge" gave the movement its name, though Ian MacKaye did not intend a formal doctrine. The idea spread through D.C., Boston, Reno, New York and beyond via bands such as SSD, 7 Seconds, Uniform Choice, Youth of Today, Judge and Chain of Strength. Straight edge later split into many forms, from positive youth crew to militant and vegan straight edge, but its core remains one of punk's most durable subcultural codes.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Dischord Records catalog
- American Hardcore
- Revelation Records histories
- straight edge oral histories