Rich Kids on LSD

RKL sounds like a controlled explosion in a guitar shop. While their peers in the early 80s hardcore scene were often content with three chords and raw aggression, RKL brought a level of technical proficiency that bordered on the absurd. Their music is characterized by 'Bomer' Manzullo's foundational punk beat, which essentially set the blueprint for the entire skate punk genre, paired with guitar work that weaves complex, almost progressive melodies into the chaos.

What truly distinguishes them is the 'prog-punk' label. They didn't just play fast; they played with a dizzying level of detail and structural complexity that influenced a generation of melodic hardcore bands. There is a playful, almost manic sense of humor lurking beneath the surface of their most intense tracks, a reflection of their 'Rich Kids on LSD' moniker and the sun-drenched, drug-fueled subculture of Montecito and Oxnard.

Start with 'Keep Laughing' to hear the raw, foundational energy that defined the Nardcore sound. If you want to hear them at their most technically evolved, 'Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare' showcases the intricate musicianship that made them your favorite band's favorite band.