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Murphy's Law is an influential American hardcore punk band from New York City, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Drescher remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of numerous musicians who have performed with a diverse selection of musical acts across multiple genres, such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi Rocks, Agnostic Front, Warzone, Cro-Mags, D Generation, New York Dolls, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Slackers, Thursday, Skavoovie and the Epitones, White Trash and Glen Campbell.

 Murphy's Law came out of New York City's mid-'80s hardcore scene and formed in Astoria, Queens, around vocalist Jimmy G. (James Drescher), but the group's  lineup also included guitarists Todd Youth, Jack Flanagan and others; bassists Pete Martinez, Chuck Valle, Sal Vilanueva and Dean Rispler and drummers Doug E. Beans and Eric Arce.  

The group's self-titled debut, released on Profile in 1986, contained the usual '80s subjects (boredom, alienation, weed, beer, etc.), but the songs were definitely there, and Murphy's Law improved even more with their second album, 1989's Back with a Bong! The band was on the Profile-associated Combat Records for 1991's The Best of Times, but recorded little during the early '90s. In 1995, Murphy's Law came back with the EP Good for Now, and the full-length Dedicated arrived the following year. Best of Times/Good for Now was issued in 2000; The Party's Over came next in the spring of 2001.

The band continues to tour the world today. The line up today consists of singer, Jimmy G (James Drescher), Bassist, Big B (Brendan P) and Drummer, Monsta (Walter R). there are several guitar players in rotation at this time, including Larry the Hunter, Gary Bennett, Joe James, Phil Caivano, AJ Novello, and a varied cast of NYHC veterans join us from time to time. New music is being recorded as of spring 2025, with releases scheduled for later in 2025.

The Take boasts two old friends from the NY underground scene getting together and providing hard-hitting punk rock. When veterans, Scotty Roberts on vocals/guitars (Spudmonsters, Bloodclot!, Biohazard) and Will Shepler on drums (Agnostic Front, Madball) team together, ears are ravaged and fists are raised high. For their new EP, Live for Tonight, Eric Klinger (Spudmonsters, Built Upon Frustration, Bloodclot!) slings bass to provide low end for The Take’s aggressive, crunching guitars and driving rhythms. These components are propelled by a dark melody in the music and in the ominous vocals.

The Take left a deep boot print in the scene with their self-titled debut LP in 2019. Released on Demons Run Amok, who also released Live for Tonight, the record executed eleven abrasive tracks in thirty minutes. Live for Tonight continues the stark sound with lyrics forged in attitude and uncompromising resolution. Drenched in sweat and integrity, the power trio resurrects NY’s brand of hardcore punk. Paying homage to the greats who defined (and tested) the grit of New York, The Take unleash a tenacious version of the music; catchy without traversing into pop. Gruff in throat and riff.

Live for Tonight provides four new tracks and an audacious cover of the power pop/glam classic, “Saturday Night is Alright for Fighting”. Outstanding jangly, hardcore bass lines shine as Klinger plays with enough dynamics for them to stand out on their own meandering ways. Roberts’ vocals remain commanding, spouting lyrics of rebellion and rage; check the simply stated, “FU”. Shepler continues to establish himself as an essential foundation as he has for thirty-five years.