H2O

H2O was born out of frontman Toby Morse's unquestionable desire to give something back to hardcore music. Having been a roadie for several years with New York hardcore legends Sick Of It All, Toby got his first big chance to perform during one of their shows. "Pete (Koller) wrote a song on the road, I wrote some lyrics, and for a goof I sang 'My Love Is Real' during one of their encores." The crowd reaction was so strong that Toby's charismatic onstage appearances became a welcome and expected addition to SOIA shows. It was soon apparent that Toby was a much better frontman than he was a roadie, and such was the catalyst that led Toby to put together his own band.

He began by enlisting the help of his childhood friend Rusty Pistachio on guitar. After recruiting bassist Eric Rice and drummer Max Capshaw, H2O played its first show in December 1994, making an immediate and lasting impression on the New York masses. When the demand for their demo tape exceeded all expectations, the band recorded a seven-inch for Equal Vision Records. With their unique ability to fuse searing hardcore riffs with catchy melodic punk, it wasn't long before H2O was touring up and down the east coast.

Yet it is impossible to fully appreciate H2O until you have seen them perform live. To H2O it's all about bringing the music to as many kids as they can. Sez Toby: "Hardcore is not about what you eat, drink, or wear. It is a way of life, the music and the message."