The Freeze

:"For the peace organisation, see Peace Action"Infobox musical artist 2
Name = The Freeze


Img_capt = The Freeze 2007
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Cape Cod/Boston, Massachusetts
Instruments = Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Drums
Genre = Hardcore punk Punk
Years_active = 1978–Current
Label = Modern Method,
Taang!,
Lost And Found(DE),
Dr. Strange,
Schitzophrenic,
Beer City
URL = www.myspace.com/thefreeze
Current_members = Clif Hanger Marc Thalisitas daniella D.B. johnny baxter
Past_members = N/A.

The Freeze are a hardcore punk rock band from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Freeze formed in late 1978Hanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . At the time all members were in high school. The Freeze are generally considered to be a Boston hardcore band, but they never truly fit into the typical Boston mould. Like most hardcore groups, the band was started by enthusiastic teenagers. Indeed, despite the popularity of their first record, the band's ability to capitalize on their local fame was limited only by their age at the time. Most members weren't old enough to drive to Boston,cite book |last=Blush |first=Steven |editor= George Petros |title=American Hardcore: A Tribal History |origyear= 2001 |publisher= Feral House |location= New York |id=ISBN 0-922915-71-7 |pages= 168-169|chapter= “The Kids Will Have Their Say” ] the local mecca of hardcore.

The Freeze were neither straight edge nor heavy metal-influenced like their Boston contemporaries DYS and SSD cite book |last=Blush |first=Steven |editor= George Petros |title=American Hardcore: A Tribal History |origyear= 2001 |publisher= Feral House |location= New York |id=ISBN 0-922915-71-7 |pages= 168-169|chapter= “The Kids Will Have Their Say” ] . The Freeze have a more melodic sound which hints more to punk rock than hardcore.

Clif Hanger (real name: Clifton Croce), the lead singer of the Freeze, set up dozens of all-ages shows in Cape Cod in the early years of American hardcore music. Virtually all of the Boston hardcore bands played with The Freeze at these shows, as well as nationally known bands like Black Flag.cite book |last=Blush |first=Steven |editor= George Petros |title=American Hardcore: A Tribal History |origyear= 2001 |publisher= Feral House |location= New York |id=ISBN 0-922915-71-7 |pages= 168-169|chapter= “The Kids Will Have Their Say” ] . They also went on two considerably successful tours following the release of their "Guilty Face" EP and "Land of the Lost"LPcite book |last=Blush |first=Steven |editor= George Petros |title=American Hardcore: A Tribal History |origyear= 2001 |publisher= Feral House |location= New York |id=ISBN 0-922915-71-7 |pages= 168-169|chapter= “The Kids Will Have Their Say” ] .

The Freeze have undergone numerous line up changes, but they are praised for their longevity and unwavering idealism. Currently, Clif Hanger is the only remaining original member. The Freeze have not had the greatest success in the realm of hardcore punk, but their influence on more recent punk and melodic hardcore is far more reaching than their fan base. 2007/2008 will be the band's busiest years for them. With the help of their new label Beer City, The Freeze will be putting out a Comprehensive "Best Of CD/DVD" titled 27 YEARS OF DEFIANCE in the Spring to be followed by their 3rd headlining tour of Europe as well as their long awaited second tour of the U.S. Beer City has plans to put The Freeze back in the recording studio sometime during Fall 2008 so they can record their 10th new release.

Current Line Up

Clif Hanger- Vocals
Marc Thalasitas- Lead Guitar
daniella- Bass
johnny baxter- Drums
D.B.- Guitar

Former Members

Joe Koonz - Guitar and Vocals
Ron (hexe) Cormier- Lead Guitar
Kevin Bonelli - Guitar

"I Hate Tourists"

The band's very first release was the "Don't Forget Me Tommy" b/w "I Hate Tourist's ["sic"] " 7" in 1980. "I Hate Tourist's" became a local hit, and then became a regular lunchtime favorite played on Boston's WBCN radio station. The Freeze released the "Don't Forget Me Tommy" b/w "I Hate Tourist's" 7" on their own Rebel Records. The project was funded by a high school friend of the band who had become their manager. Rumor had it that some of the money needed to pay for the recording of the 45 came from drug dealingHanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . The Freeze pressed a total of 2,000 records in 1980Hanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] .

The first 200 original press records were wrapped in pink construction paper stolen from the Freeze's high school art department and labeled in plain black markerHanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . The next 300 were wrapped in orange construction paper obtained by the same methodHanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . The remaining 1,500 of the original 2,000 records that were pressed in 1980 were just wrapped in clear plastic and handed out as demosHanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . Up until 2005, "Don't Forget Me Tommy" b/w "I Hate Tourist's" 7", was hardly available, and were going for up to $500 with original wrapping Hanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . In 2005 Schizophrenic Records re-pressed the "Don't Forget Me Tommy" b/w "I Hate Tourists" 7". The record was wrapped in a faux orange construction paper sleeve which sought to imitate the original. The re-press comes with a second sleeve, in addition to the orange one, which contains liner notes and alternate cover art. In the liner notes of the re-issue of "Don't Forget Me Tommy" b/w "I Hate Tourists" 7" Clif Hanger discusses how this album almost never happened.

The parents of Rob Rosenthal A.K.A. Rob DeCradle, the guitarist of the Freeze, objected to the language and topics of the songs Hanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . His parents found it to be so offensive that they attempted to involve a Cape Cod based Christian organization to help intervene in the production and distribution of the recordHanger, Clif (2005). "I Hate Tourists, Tourists SUCK, It's only their daughters I wanna fuck" in "I Hate Tourists" [Record Liner Notes] . Hamilton: Schizophrenic Records.] . In fact, to appease DeCradle's and Hanger's parents concern, Clif and Rob changed their last names for the record. This release is not considered to be The Freeze's best work. One must remember that though the a-side song, "Don't Forget Me Tommy" may have had very low appeal to many hardcore punk listeners, the songs bizarre lyrics and dark synth sound did not connect with the target audience, the song was written in 1979, over a year before HC Punk struck. Criticism aside, the "Don't Forget Me Tommy" b/w "I Hate Tourists" 7" served its purpose as a first release, helping the Freeze gain a record deal with Modern Method records, and established a dedicated, modest yet ever growing fan base.

"This Is Boston Not L.A."

In 1982, the greatly influential "This Is Boston, Not L.A." compilation of Boston hardcore bands was released. The "This Is Boston, Not L.A." compilation competed with the equally important, but more popular Flex Your Head compilation released in 1982 by Washington, D.C. based label Dischord Records. The Freeze contributed eight songs to the compilation, including the title track "This Is Boston, Not L.A." . They also provided "Broken Bones", "Idiots at Happy Hour", "Now or Never", "Sacrifice Not Suicide", "It's Only Alcohol", "Trouble If You Hide", and "Time Bomb". The Freeze presented some of their most powerful, fast, and truly hardcore driven work on this record. "Broken Bones" is regarded as a great punk anthem, which fully embodies the mindset of punk rock. Much of the meaning of "This Is Boston, Not L.A." was lost on the members of the Boston scene. According to Clif Hanger the song's true lyrical meaning is simply 'establish your own identity when starting your band". This basic Punk DIY message was directed at the newly forming Boston bands who seemed to be drifting dangerously close to adopting either the west coast look and identity of Black Flag or the skinhead/straight edge DC scene led by Minor Threat. It was never intended to be used as the LP's title track which twisted the song's meaning to one of competition between U.S. scenes rather than the simple friendly advice to the band's hometown friends and peers. Regardless of the meaning behind the motivation of "This Is Boston Not L.A." it is undeniable that the compilation and The Freeze's contribution to it are a keystone of the development and growth of hardcore punk.

Conflicts and differences with the Boston hardcore music scene

The Freeze drew fans from Boston's hardcore music scene and the more "traditional punk" sound that preceded hardcore's emergence in 1981. Members of the Freeze were amongst many Boston musicians who questioned the rigidity of the music, mentality, and behavior of the hardcore punk Bostonians, best known as "The Boston Crew". Some clique-driven Boston hardcore listeners considered the Freeze members as high school "townies" from Cape Codcite book |last=Blush |first=Steven |editor= George Petros |title=American Hardcore: A Tribal History |origyear= 2001 |publisher= Feral House |location= New York |id=ISBN 0-922915-71-7 |pages= 168-169|chapter= “The Kids Will Have Their Say” ] . Clif Hanger and crew welcomed this seemingly immature brush-off as a challenge that they have gone on to make a mockery of, for the Freeze have outlasted all of their early naysayers. Today The Freeze remain the sole band from that divisive period who are still active as a live, touring and recording unit. (Gang Green and Jerry's Kids are actively touring but have not recorded new material.)

Other releases

The Freeze has released over 17 records, including 7 compilations, 2 LPs, 1 EP, and 5 full length CDs, a split CD with The Bollweevils as well as one with the German band The Killrays. They have released records for their own Rebel Records, Modern Method, Gasatanka/Enigma, Weird System, Ax/ction, Taang!, Lost & Found, and Dr. Strange, respectively. Schizophrenic Records, Bitzcore, and Dr. Strange added 3 re-issues to the Freeze's discography. Following their first release, The Freeze featured one song, "American Town", on the "Wicked Good Time vol.2" compilation LP produced by Modern Method Records in 1981. In 1983 The Freeze also had one song, "Refrigerator Heaven", on the "Unsafe At Any Speed" 7" EP which was a collection of out takes from the "This Is Boston, Not L.A." recording sessions. In 1984 they released the "Guilty Face" 7" EP, considered the most powerful and truly hardcore of all The Freeze's work. Later that year The Freeze released their first full length record, "Land of The Lost" LP, on Modern Method. Again in 1984, on "Flipside Vinyl Fanzine" compilation LP The Freeze featured the song "No One's Ever Coming Home". In 1985 the Freeze followed up their busiest year with the release of their "Rabid Reaction" LP on Modern Method, and afforded the track "Warped Confessional" on Modern Methods "Mr. Beautiful Presents: All Hard" compilation LP which included songs by fellow Boston hardcore bands, and collaborators on the "This Is Boston, Not L.A." compilation, Gang Green and The F.U.'s. "Life Is A Joke vol.3" compilation LP by Weird System Records, released in 1987, offered songs by Government Issue,White Flag and The Freeze, among others. The Freeze featured the already released "Refrigerator Heaven" on the "Revenge of the Kamikaze Stegosaurus From Outer Space" compilation LP from Ax/ction Records in 1988. This compilation had mostly unreleased or re-recorded songs. The LP included work by G.G. Allin,Wretched, and The Mentors. After the release of the "Revenge of the Kamikaze Stegosaurus From Outer Space" compilation LP The Freeze remained under the radar until 1991, with the release of their "Misery Loves Company" LP on Taang! Records. After their brief stint with Taang! Records, the bands welcomed the interest of the German HC Punk label, Lost & Found. From 1991-1995, The Freeze and Lost & Found would record and release a Live CD, FIVE WAY FURY, and two superb studio works; CRAWLING BLIND and FREAK SHOW, which would remain almost totally unheard in the States until Dr. Strange took charge.

Dr. Strange Records, over the past 3 or 4 years have re-released most everything from The Freeze's back catalog. Bill Plaster, the "Doc" from Dr. Strange, first put band into the studio to record 4 new tunes for release on a shared CD with label mates The Bollweevils titled A DEADLY DUO. The band then went to work collecting all of their out of print, hard to find and unreleased material, 30 songs strong, which Dr. Strange released as the Cd TOKEN BONES. In 1999 Dr. Strange released what is arguably the band's strongest all around Cd to date in ONE FALSE MOVE. What made/makes ONE FALSE MOVE even more special is in its artistic collaboration between Freeze vocalist Clif Hanger and the world renowned artist and Illustrator, the late Edward Gorey. Keeping the story short, Hanger and the then 74 year old Gorey had constructed a personal friendship one would assume, surrounding all thing's macabre. Mr. Gorey mentioned liking a Green Day album which led Hanger to offer his band up for listening. Upon excited approval, Gorey offered to create totally original front and rear cover artwork for the project, even adding a few lyrics of his own to one of the band's songs. The 5 Freeze members were asked by Dr. Strange to each autograph 1000 numbered and limited edition, colored vinyl LPs. But it was when Edward Gorey also offered to sign the copies that an instant collector's item was born. Sold out prior to the publication date, the Gorey/Freeze signed LP once offered for sale at $15 a pop now easily commands $100 and up on the collector's market since Mr Gorey's death in 2000. Fresh attention quickly came the band's way once again when Dr. Strange then decided to put out onto one disc the band's 2 seminal full length works from the 1980's; The LPs; LAND OF THE LOST and RABID REACTION. The Doc also added the band's 4 tracks from its equally legendary GUILTY FACE ep and suddenly a 27 track Hardcore Punk Rock "must have" CD was created. Selling new for under $10. The same 2 LPs on one disc idea was later repeated as Dr. Strange doubled up the band's FREAK SHOW and CRAWLING BLIND allowing most listeners here their first chance to hear a pair of The Freeze's strongest yet most elusive releases to date.

In 2006 Schizophrenic Records reissued The FREEZE Guilty Face 7" adding two long lost and never before released on vinyl songs recorded for the This is Boston Not LA session. the new 6 song 7" included liner notes from Mr. Clif Hanger. For collector nerds 200 copies included an extra insert of graphics and hand written lyrics signed by Mr. Hanger.In 2007 Schizophrenic Records and Clif Hanger have gone on to release a "Live at The Mill Hill Club in 1980" LP. Recorded Live April 12, 1980 the now defunct Cape Cod club. This was only the band's 6th live show . The lp contains many unreleased songs, as well as songs later reworked into the Freeze classic LPs. 2007 also saw the release, again on Schizophrenic Records of what is arguably the band's best known recording, Rabid Reaction. Another vinyl only release, it is superbly packaged, with lyrics, indivdual behind the scenes song stories written by Clif. The vinyl itself is a colorful red and green split. A limited amount came packaged with a poster signed by Clif. Next up, in early 2008 will be the re-release of the band's self produced first lP, "Land of the Lost", again on Schizophrenic Records. Future collaborations between the two partners will include a double LP including an assortment of recordings, including live shows from the early 1980's "Hardcore matinee" events held at New Yorks fabled CBGB's, rare acoustic performances, practice sessions before hitting the studio to record Rabid Reaction, as well as the long-awaited/rumored drug induced mind fuck project named "Rope's End". Some song titles from the "Rope's End" sessions include "Beyond Noah's Ark" which describes the successful interbreeding of man and animal, a reworked version of the johnny Cash classic "I Walk The Line" retitled "I Talk To Twine" as well as many other 'sanity in question' "songs".

Current news

*As of Summer 2008, The Freeze Will be recording with New Jersey Producer Marty Munsch, Munsch has recorded and produced at least 275 releases, for various infulential underground punk groups as well as being involved with socialy destructive charting Billboard Magazine material. He had been involved with Canes film festval Punk's Not Dead and All Grown Up The movie. [http://www.allgrownupthemovie.com] [Producer Marty Munsch, has recorded and produced at least 275 releases, for various infulential underground punk groups, notably Joe Strummer of The Clash as well as Sugar Hill Gang and contributory efforts charting Billboard Magazine material.]
*As of early 2008, a newly reformed Freeze have been playing regularly in both the Boston and the New York areas. Their return has been enthusiastically embraced by punk fans old and young alike. They have recently completed a tour of the west coast and the southwest in June 2007.

Towards the end of this tour their drummer had to return home due to an aggravated injury. For the small final west coast part of their tour they used fill in drummers two of which were Franke from the band the Pugilistics (Pheonix, Arizona) who played in both Oakland and Sacramento, California shows, and Anthony Barbaria, formerly of the bands Aggro, Bilharzia, Katkiller and LA/Walls from San Jose, CA, who played with the Freeze in San jose and Santa Cruz, California. Their friend/tech Nick filled in on Guitar for the final shows of the Tour as well.

The Freeze have also currently taken up a new Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/rabidreaction

Notes

The use of ["sic"] was justified by the conflicting spellings of the "I Hate Tourist's" song and 7" record. In all other sources, and the cover of both records, original and re-press, the song is spelled "I Hate Tourists", which is the grammatically correct way. In the liner notes of the "I Hate Tourist's" b/w "Don't Forget Me Tommy" 7" LP re-press on Schizophrenic Records, which were written by original member and vocalist Clif Hanger, the song and record is spelled "I Hate Tourist's", which is grammatically incorrect, but taken verbatim from the liner notes.The sources of the discographical information, are slightly questionable on their own, all the information found from these sources were only included if they could be confirmed by two or more sources. co

External links

* [http://www.operationphoenixrecords.com/maximumrocknrollthefreeze.html Maximumrocknroll Interview] - The Freeze interview from 1984

* [http://www.scannerzine.com/thefreeze.htm/ Scanner zine interview] - Interview with Clif Hanger from August 2005

* [http://www.schizophrenicrex.com] - Schizophrenic records has re-issued I Hate Tourist's 7", Guilty Face 7" with bonus tracks, and a 1980 Live lp.

* [http://www.bostonpunk.org/stuff/Issue%202.pdf Drink, Fight, And Fuck! Interview] - A Freeze interview which will be part of the liner notes for the 1980 Live LP.