In the enduring saga of the Age of Quarrel-era Cro-Mags, much is often spoken about the primary players, those being band-founder and bass player Harley Flanagan and vocalist John Joseph. Powerhouse drummer Mackie is also frequently invoked, not least for his jazzy versatility. Insufferaby pedantic trainspotters like myself will also quickly cite rhythm guitarist Doug Holland, then-fresh from the ranks of proto-NYHC band Kraut. But one member seems frequently overlooked, that being guitarist/co-founder Parris Mayhew. Back circa the release of Quarrel, despite Parris’ blazing guitar chops, he appeared like the least-likely guy to be backing up burly skinheads like Harley and John, sporting a clean-cut, low profile behind all the movement at the front of the stage. That’s him up top on the far right, behind Mackie's replacement, Murphy's Law drummer Petey Hines. Last spotted playing with the Cro-Mags on 2000’s Joseph-less Revenge album, Parris evidently had a falling-out with Harley shortly thereafter and went onto pursue a career in video direction.
Well, as it turns out, Parris has resucitated his musical pursuits in the form of Aggros … an “instru-METAL” (geddit?) ensemble, although judging from the video below, it’s all Parris.
In this just-released, epic-length clip for “City Kids,” we see Parris pulling a card from Paul McCartney’s “Coming Up” video and portraying all the band members himself (as well as showing off some seriously stylish sneakers), all filmed around downtown spots like the L.E.S./Coleman skatepark and various subway stations and platforms. It all gets a bit “extreme sports”-y, but it’s still really well done, if occasionally a bit over-the-top.
Check it out. Crank it up.
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