Their only recorded material is an eight-song 7", which was released in 1982 on Mob Style Records, the record label of fellow hardcore band The Mob (and later as a 12" on Big City Records). The Urban Waste EP has been released by the New York City label Mad at the World Records in its series of New York hardcore reissues from the early 1980s. The EP was also reissued in digital format by the New York based digital label Anthology Recordings.
Roger Miret, lead vocalist for New York hardcore legends Agnostic Front, reportedly cited Urban Waste as the band that got him into hardcore, and has mentioned the group as being one of his favorites of the early NYHC scene.
In 2002 Urban Waste played CBGB's for a 20 year reunion, and record release party for the "reissue" of the 82' E.P. with John Dancy and Johnny Waste with new members Zachary Stough on vocals and A.J. Ricci on Bass. This short lived fun experience ended a few months later, when members lost contact with each other.
The band re-grouped once again in 2008 with three out of four original members - Johnny Waste, Kenny Ahrens, and John Dancy. Playing infrequent shows, and still unable to pull a decent tour together, the band released "Recycled" in late 2010. This was a compilation of old unreleased songs and a few new songs written in this time period. Unable to bring the new material on the road, the album was not well received.
Due to health issues, in 2011 John Dancy had to step down as drummer for the band for an indefinite amount of time. In 2011 singer Kenny Ahrens also had to leave the band for personal health issues. Not wanting to leave another empty chapter in the band's already rocky career, John Kelly aka Johnny Waste sought out new members to continue doing what was best for the band. 2012 has shown to be the strongest year for the band to date, as far as playing out, and writing new material. This is also the first time in the bands career that they have gone overseas, playing Europe in Venlo, The Netherlands on Sept. 22nd 2012. Look out for a new release from the band in 2013, and stay in touch with them on their Facebook page for upcoming tour dates and other info.
No Hope
Urban Waste Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wondering if you're the next
But when it comes time for
Self-defense, you'll py for
The attacker's death There's
No Hope of what you do
No Hope of who you are
Some kill to stay alive
Some fun, there's murderers
Every day by day, you're just
Not the only one
You're thinking if you're safe
Murder in the streets
Wondering what you should
Carry, Murder in the streets
-a fucking gun to protect you?
The song "No Hope" by Urban Waste addresses the issue of violence and crime in society. The lyrics suggest that violence has become a common hobby for some individuals, causing people to live in fear of becoming a victim of crime. These individuals may consider carrying a gun as a means of self-defense, but the song hints that this often leads to more violence and a lack of hope for a peaceful resolution.
The line "Some kill to stay alive" implies that some people feel the need to commit violent acts in order to survive in their dangerous surroundings, while others do it just for fun. However, the singer reminds us that murderers are everywhere, and we are not the only ones facing this issue. The chorus, "No Hope of what you do, No Hope of who you are", suggests that the violence has become so pervasive that individual actions or characteristics no longer matter.
Overall, "No Hope" portrays a bleak outlook on society and the violence that plagues it. The song suggests that there is no easy solution to the problem of violence, and that carrying a weapon may only exacerbate it. The lyrics highlight the despair and hopelessness that result from living in such a violent world.
Line by Line Meaning
Crime seems to be a hobby
Criminal activities are being carried out as if they are leisure activities.
Wondering if you're the next
Constantly being afraid and uncertain if you will become the next victim of crime.
But when it comes time for
However, in situations where you have to defend yourself,
Self-defense, you'll py for
Defending yourself can have serious legal and financial consequences.
The attacker's death There's
Any violent reaction that results in the attacker's death
No Hope of what you do
Is futile and hopeless because of the flawed justice system.
No Hope of who you are
Your identity or background will not make a difference in the eyes of the law or society.
Some kill to stay alive
Some individuals commit acts of violence as a survival mechanism.
And some kill just to have
Other people take pleasure from killing innocent individuals.
Some fun, there's murderers
The world is full of individuals who take pleasure from committing murder.
Every day by day, you're just
Every passing day, you become more aware of the dangerous world around you.
Not the only one
You are not the only person who feels this way and is affected by crime.
You're thinking if you're safe
You are constantly questioning your own safety and security.
Murder in the streets
The prevalence of violence and murders happening out in the open.
Wondering what you should
Thinking about what you can do to protect yourself.
Carry, Murder in the streets
Considering carrying a weapon to defend yourself against potential attackers.
-a fucking gun to protect you?
Wondering if a gun is necessary to defend yourself in a dangerous world.
Contributed by Isaiah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.