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Brian Peterson: 108 – Transcending Mere Language

By Guest Blogger
April 24, 2010

“I can simply extend my finger in a pose of exquisite pain – my pain.

I can only stretch my arms – stretch, reach, for you…”

-108 “Arctic”

Communication – the need to express oneself, be heard and, hopefully, understood – is probably the greatest gift and curse that we as sentient beings have been given.

Communication enables us to convey our opinions, show affection, and mature in our understanding of the world. We often feel like we’re alone in our thoughts, desires, and needs, but think of the times you’ve met someone and discovered something you’ve had in common. There is a genuine sense of excitement as you share ideas or memories about these shared notions or experiences – so much so that it can often lead to life-long relationships.

The inverse, however, occurs when we aren’t able to effectively communicate. In fact, the breakdown of communication (and, therefore, true understanding) is often the exact reason for shattered relationships, acts of physical aggression and, on a larger scale, even war.

Maybe the problem is that language itself doesn’t suffice. Words, after all, are mere representations of thoughts, feelings, ideas, or experiences. They are symbols we use in order to express these things to others. But how can another person truly understand what we are feeling with only our words at our disposal?

Many have taken solace in art, which is another form of expression. In particular, music has been a way to transcend and feel connections and emotions as deep as the widest oceanic trenches. The combination of musical sounds and lyrics coming together to strike a mood, send a message, or simply express an emotion resonates on multiple levels.

108

For me, 108 has been one of the most inspiring hardcore bands. Musically, they have always played hardcore with a sense of freedom and independence that is inspiring. They draw from the spirit and energy of classic hardcore bands like Bad Brains, Black Flag, and Burn, but also utilize elements of metal, punk, heavy rock, and even reggae to form a sound that is layered and rich, full of atmosphere, and free of artistic restraint.

Lyrically, their songs are written from such a thoughtful and personal place that one feels enriched simply reading the lyrics in the liner notes. Going back to the blowing of the conch shell on “Holyname,” it’s apparent that they intended to express something more than just diatribes. Rather, they wrote (and still write) about isolation, sadness, love, reasons to live or die, and methods to cope in an existence that is often brutal and seems hopeless. It’s the combination of such concerns with their blistering music that has always gripped me. Their personal struggles and frailties, as well as their hopes and aspirations, have always been apparent in their lyrics, which are very understandable on a logical level. But their music makes you feel these emotions authentically.

Being so strongly connected to their records over the years – Holyname (1994), Songs of Separation (1995), Threefold Misery (1996), Curse of Instinct (1996), A New Beat From a Dead Heart (2007), and 18.61 (2010) – I’ve paid attention to their growth both sonically and lyrically. In conversations with Vic, Rob, and Triv I’ve found that their lyrics and music often seem to map the things they are struggling with or inspired by at the time. Essentially, looking back on their recorded output is like a map of their own personal successes and failures. They are all dedicated to living life in a way that feels “right” for them and have come together as friends to express what they are feeling in a collective way. In turn, the sounds they create articulate a multitude of emotions and perspectives that speak to their experiences and, in turn, allow people to better understand them as human beings.

Obviously 108 is not the only group of artists to achieve such results. However, it’s not everyday a group of people can express themselves accurately while also propelling each other to grow intrinsically. It’s a rare thing, especially in this era of cynicism and pessimism.

In fact, it’s a lesson to all of us. No matter how frustrated we get with our significant other, our estranged friend, our “enemies,” communication is something that is downright sacred. We all go through ruts where everything seems pointless – where we don’t know which direction we’re headed. It’s these very times that we need someone or something to relate to. The members of 108 understand this as well as anyone and people who appreciate their music are all the better for it.

108’s new album, 18.61, is available from Deathwish, Inc.

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