As we draw closer and closer to the much awaited release date of 68’s In Humor and Sadness, we at the Noise began to realize something. We are completely infatuated with 68’s lead singer/guitarist Josh Scogin. It’s nothing against other vocalists or band members, it’s just that what Scogin brings to the table is something special. After hours spent geeking out over our admiration for Scogin, we decided to compile a list of reasons why we love Josh Scogin. Let us begin.
1) Norma Jean
Aw, yes… where it all started for Mr. Scogin. Forming in the late 90’s under the not-so-metal name, Luti-Kriss, Norma Jean was later conceived as the group wrote and released their ear-shattering debut album, Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child in 2002. Containing ferocious anthems like “Face:Face,” “The Shotgun Message” and of course “Memphis Will Be Laid To Rest,” Norma Jean shook up the metal world offering a new and very unique approach to heavy music. Although Scogin left the group shortly after its release, Bless The Martyr and Kiss the Child’s influence on today’s hardcore sound should help assure some of Scogin’s respect.
2) The Chariot
There will never be another band like the Chariot. Yes, we know we are probably still a little heartbroken over their breakup in 2013. Still, what they presented musically to the world was incredible. Releasing 5 albums in 10 years, the Chariot offered a brew of chaotic hardcore music that really knew how to shake up an audience. Seeing the Chariot perform live was less of a show and more of an opportunity to test your survival skills. With an ample amount of crowd surfers plunging towards your head and slam dancers flailing their sweaty limbs towards you, you had no choice but to either tap out or join in with the rowdy Douglasville rockers. If you don’t believe us, just watch this clip of Scogin and company wiling up this crowd in Moscow, Russia. Long live the Chariot.
3) Stage Presence
In order to be a distinct frontman, you must pose a great stage presence. Owning the stage and interacting properly with the audience is something every successful lead singer must understand. Josh Scogin is no stranger to that. From quoting the movie Hot Rod at mic checks, to stage diving into the crowd or even amping up concertgoers before Chariot shows by shouting, “This stage is YOUR stage! This microphone is YOUR microphone! This is a CELEBRATION!” Scogin has all the skills that make him an excellent showman.
4) Lyricism
As of today, lyricism has become a bit of a lost art in the hardcore scene. Of course there are those who still earn our respect, but as more and more younger bands become breakdown reliant, the skill of meticulously crafting poem-like lyrics has decayed. However, for Josh Scogin, this is not an issue. Memorable lines include: “I saved my money, but it can’t save me” from The Chariot track “The City” and “For churches have nuns. Cowboys got guns, and everyone’s waiting to die” from “Back to Back.” All in all, Scogin proves time and time again he definitely knows his way around a pen and paper.
5) Creativity
Much to Kanye West’s dismay, he is not the only “creative genius” in the music scene. Josh Scogin has shown us lately that he has an unmatchable level of creativity that we have found very pleasing. Case in point: the name of his band. ’68 is one of the coolest and freshest ideas for a band name that we have heard in a long time. Oh, and have you seen the two-part video ’68 released where you have to watch the two videos simultaneously? C’mon, no one else can think of something as unique as that. Lastly, have you seen the track listing for their debut album In Humor and Sadness? If you haven’t, you need to. Josh Scogin is certainly a creative genius.
