Born to Expire is the debut album by New York City band Leeway. It was recorded in November 1987. Delays postponed its release to January 1989 – jointly on Rock Hotel and Profile Records. It was followed up by Desperate Measures in 1991. In 1996, Another Planet re-issued the album on the same CD as Desperate Measures.
In 2021 Revolver dubbed the record one of the top 10 essential New York hardcore albums of all time. Stating "Born to Expire captures the fleeting moment in NYHC history when metal and punk were still flirting with one another in a way that felt fresh, unpredictable and singular."
Overview Lyrically and vocally, Leeway were firmly rooted in the hardcore punk genre as could also be seen by the company they chose to keep – Corrosion of Conformity, Bad Brains, Circle Jerks, Sick of It All and Prong to name a few. Musically, however, it was most definitely metal and a compromise label of thrash/crossover was achieved but still left a few questions unanswered. In truth, many fans of both genres had their likes and dislikes – even between songs.
Guitarist/songwriter A.J. Novello had this to say on the dichotomy caused by this album:
Most of the songs are played at thrash metal pace but at hardcore punk-style track lengths. The band even had time to experiment with rap and funk on "Catholic High School".
Guitarist Michael Gibbons spoke about the album's signature guitar sound:
Track listing
Credits Eddie Sutton – vocals A.J. Novello – guitar Michael Gibbons – guitar Zowie – bass Tony Fontão – drums Recorded in November 1987 at Normandy Sound, Warren, Rhode Island Produced by Chris Williamson Engineered by Tom Soares Assistant engineered by Jamie Locke Assistant engineered by Marc Siegel Cover art by Bevin Stone Mastered by Howie Weinberg at Masterdisk, New York City Reissue remastered by Alan Douches at West Westside Music
References
External links Leeway official website