For the first time since 2001’s Go, Morse is feeling that inspiration. He recently released a new H20 full-length, Nothing to Prove, which was produced by Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory and released by Boston hardcore label Bridge Nine records. The band’s line-up hasn’t changed and, according to Morse, neither has the attitude. “We did the whole record in two and a half weeks, just like we did for the first couple.”
Because of their increasingly melodic sound and close association with New York’s heaviest acts, many people have a hard time classifying H20. “I consider us a hardcore punk band,” explains Morse. “When people say that the last record was too poppy, I tell them to go back and listen to the first seven-inch. ‘I Know Why’ is a poppy love song with a breakdown. We’ve always had melody.” They also have plenty of friends as demonstrated by the fact that Nothing to Prove has more cameos than the average hip-hop record. Appearances include Roger Miret of Agnostic Front, Freddy Cricien of Madball, and even Morse’s 5-year-old son Max, who already has an abundance of scene points. “Right now he’s a straight edge vegetarian that plays drums and draws Sponge Bob tattoos on himself,” Morse laughs. “Which means he’ll eventually rebel and become a drunk politician. If not, I’d love to get tattooed with him when he turns 18—if I have any room left.”
But don’t expect to see Max’s dad open a tattoo shop like other members of the New York hardcore scene. Morse has a different venture in mind for when he puts down the microphone. “I’ve always wanted to open a barbershop here in California. The barbers here don’t even shave your neck with a straight razor. All we have are Supercuts.” When I remind him that there currently is a Supercuts in the same spot where legendary New York hardcore club Coney Island High once stood, all he can say is, “Yeah, man. That’s sad. That’s just really sad.”
