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.

There's Nothing Like It
Insted Lyrics

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From across the land to the zines and the bands. There's a network of people who show what they feel. Take a look, you will find this movement is one of a kind. There's nothing like it - it's here today. There's nothing iike it - make it stay. I see it at all the shows. The togetherness flows. Music from the heart is what sets us apart. Move aside, give them clearance. The kids will make the difference. There's nothing like it - it's here today. There's nothing like it - make it stay. Nothing like it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Insted's song "There's Nothing Like It" are a tribute to the unity and passion of the youth punk rock movement. The song acknowledges the vast network of people, from across the country, who share a common desire to express themselves without judgement. The opening line "From across the land to the zines and the bands" speaks of the physical and intellectual reach of the punk rock scene. The lyrics suggest that those involved in punk rock are free to express themselves and share their views without being judged, "There's a network of people who show what they feel".

The chorus of the song emphasizes the uniqueness of the punk rock movement, "There's nothing like it - it's here today. There's nothing like it - make it stay." The sense of community among punk fans is also affirmed in the line "I see it at all the shows. The togetherness flows." The song seems to suggest that this togetherness is what sets punk rock apart, that it is not just about the music but also about the people who make up the scene. The final verse reinforces the idea that the punk rock youth are a force to be reckoned with, and that they have the power to affect change, "Move aside, give them clearance. The kids will make the difference."

Line by Line Meaning

From across the land to the zines and the bands.
This movement spans far and wide, from local zines to popular bands, and brings together people from all over.

There's a network of people who show what they feel.
These people are not afraid to express their true emotions and connect with others who feel the same way.

Take a look, you will find this movement is one of a kind.
This movement is unique and unlike anything else out there.

There's nothing like it - it's here today.
This movement is currently present and active, and there is nothing else quite like it.

There's nothing like it - make it stay.
We must work to keep this movement going and ensure its continued existence.

I see it at all the shows.
This movement is particularly visible at live music events and concerts.

The togetherness flows.
There is a sense of community and unity among those involved in this movement.

Music from the heart is what sets us apart.
The music created and celebrated within this movement is particularly heartfelt and authentic, which distinguishes it from other types of music.

Move aside, give them clearance.
We must make space and allow room for these young, passionate people to make their mark.

The kids will make the difference.
It is young people who are the driving force behind this movement and who have the potential to effect meaningful change.

There's nothing like it - it's here today.
Once again, this movement is currently present and active, and there is nothing else quite like it.

There's nothing like it - make it stay.
We must continue to work to keep this movement going and ensure its continued existence.

Nothing like it
This movement is truly one-of-a-kind and without equal.

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

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