Insted was created in the spring of 1986. After writing a handful of songs … Read Full Bio ↴Insted was created in the spring of 1986. After writing a handful of songs they began playing backyard parties and garage gigs. By the end of the year they had developed a following in Anaheim and decided it was time to record a demo. In 1987 they caught the attention of local hardcore label Wishingwell Records, ran by Pat Dubar and Pat Longrie of Uniform Choice. They signed a deal with them later that year, wrote more songs, and began opening for some of the bigger bands at venues all across Southern California. By the time they finished the recording of what would become the "Bonds of Friendship" album, they had opened shows for national acts and expanded their following throughout Orange County. Before their first record was released, the band line up was solidified and they we’re ready to take their show out on the road. This would bring us to the summer of 1988, in a time when the straight edge-hardcore movement was growing. Insted embarked on their 1st national tour and began their system of touring, coming home and writing new songs, playing locally, recording, and then going back out on tour.

These were the key ingredients that defined Insted and would earn them an important spot in the hardcore punk scene. In the spring of 1989 they flew to New York to do some dates with Vision and strengthen their relationship with the East Coast. That summer they released the "We’ll Make the Difference" 7" on Nemesis records and were back in the van for another full U.S assault.

That summer they shared the stage with bands like Gorilla Biscuits, Bold, Uniform Choice, Slapshot and Reason to Believe. Upon returning home, they were offered a record deal from Epitaph Records in which they accepted. Insted’s following had steadily grown and they were now headlining 1000 seat venues and drawing massive crowds. During the recording of "What We Believe" they made plans to expand their borders and tour Europe. But at the end of 1990, shortly after "What We Believe" was released, America went to war with the Middle East. Due to the circumstances they were unable to ship equipment over seas and decided to stay in their homeland. In the spring of 1991 they did another national tour. They were now sharing the stage with bands like Judge, Snapcase, and the Cro-mags. The hardcore sound of the early 80’s that they were so familiar with was changing. It was turning into a hard metal edge sound and the attitude of the scene reflected it. Bands that they looked up to like Uniform Choice and Youth of Today were broken up and their old time favorites Minor Threat and 7 Seconds were long gone.

When they returned from tour they began working on new material but felt out of place. The band had built its reputation on respect and integrity. In July of 1991 they decided to do a final show and bow out gracefully. Spanky’s Cafe in Riverside was one of their favorite spots and a perfect host for their humble grand finale. They made sure to include on the bill a few of the promising up and coming local bands.

Over the years Insted traveled throughout the country making friends and building a legacy that ingrained them into hardcore history. To this day the friendships they built are still in tact and their legacy lives on.

Face To Face
Insted Lyrics

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Do you know what's going on? I think you've got this whole thing wrong. Look past your nose open up your eyes. It's not a dress or macho show. Take the time to learn and know. Face to face - try to understand. Face to face - it's a movement. Face to face - man, I'm sorry. Face to face

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Insted's song Face to Face speak to the idea of understanding others and their perspectives. The singer acknowledges that someone may not fully understand what is going on, and advises them to look beyond themselves and try to see the bigger picture. The lines "Look past your nose open up your eyes" encourage the listener to be aware of the world around them and not just their own individual experience. The lyrics also address toxic masculinity by emphasizing that it's not about putting on a show to prove one's masculinity, but about taking the time to learn and understand.

The repetition of "Face to face" in the chorus underscores the importance of personal interaction and connection in understanding others. The lyrics express regret with the line "man, I'm sorry" which suggests that the singer wishes they had reached out to understand someone before, or perhaps had been misunderstood themselves. The overall message of the song is that true understanding of others comes from direct engagement and not just making assumptions.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you know what's going on?
Do you have a clear understanding of the situation?

I think you've got this whole thing wrong.
I believe you have misunderstood the situation.

Look past your nose open up your eyes.
Try to see beyond your own perspective and open your mind.

It's not a dress or macho show.
This is not about clothing or showing off masculinity.

Take the time to learn and know.
Invest the necessary time to educate yourself and gain knowledge.

Face to face - try to understand.
In person, attempt to comprehend the situation and the other person's viewpoint.

Face to face - it's a movement.
Meeting in person to communicate and make progress is a significant effort.

Face to face - man, I'm sorry.
Meeting in person, I apologize and seek reconciliation.

Contributed by Dylan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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