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Choking Victim was an American hardcore punk band formed in New York City, which were together from 1992 to 1999. Primarily playing an amalgam of hardcore punk, ska punk and death metal with anarchist lyrics, they classify themselves as "Crack Rock Steady." Following the breakup of the band, which occurred the same day as the recording of their only studio album No Gods, No Managers, members went on to form Leftöver Crack.

Background

The band became well-known at the C-Squat in the Lower East Side of Manhattan for their innovative music and politically charged lyrics. They also became infamous for their Satanic imagery and references to the vagrant lifestyle, such as crack-smoking, shoplifting, and squatting. The band prides itself on its atheism, making reference to Satan for the purpose of being offensive, rather than any actual worship of the deity. On the album No Gods, No Managers, they use excerpts from the lectures of political scientist Michael Parenti.

Choking Victim broke up after the first day of recording for their first full-length LP, No Gods, No Managers, but the recordings from that one day were enough to make a full album. After they broke up, (Stza and Ezra Crack) formed the band Leftöver Crack, and Skwert and Ezra formed INDK. Skwert is currently the front man for the NJ based ska punk band Public Serpents. Sascha has spent the last several years organically farming in upstate NY, and is a founding member of Icarus Project, a radical mental health network. Choking Victim and Leftöver Crack are anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-homophobic and anti-fascist.

On November 11, 2000, Choking Victim reunited to play a show in Tompkins Square Park with the lineup from their album, substituting former bassist Alec for Shayne. Later, in late 2005, Choking Victim reunited a second time, performing four shows. On June 11, 2006, they played a show at the Lower East Side's Tompkins Square Park, which featured various political speakers, including members of the Mislead Youth Project. At the end of July 2006, they toured the Dominican Republic, before Leftöver Crack embarked on their European Tour.

In addition to Leftöver Crack and INDK, Choking Victim also spawned Morning Glory and the Crack Rock Steady 7.

Members

• Scott "Stza" Sturgeon – vocals, guitar (1992–1999, 2000, 2005–2006)
• Sascha "Scatter" DuBrul – bass (1992–1994, 2005–2006)
• John Dolan – drums (1992–1993, 2005–2006)
• Skwert – drums (1993–1999, 2000)
• Alec Baillie – bass (1995–1996, 1996, 2000)
• Shayne – bass (1996, 1996–1999)
• Ezra Kire – guitar (1998–1999, 2000)

Discography

Albums:

• "No Gods, No Managers" (1999)

EP's (Vinyl):

• "Crack Rock Steady E.P." (1994)
• "Squatta's Paradise" (1996)
• "Victim Comes Alive" (1998)

Demos:

• "Crack Rock Steady Demo" (2000)

Compilation Releases:

• "Crack Rock Steady/Squatta's Paradise EP" (2000)
• "Wicked City Soundtrack" - 1998, Velvel Records ("Fuck America")
• "Give 'Em The Boot" - 1997, Hellcat Records ("Infested")
• "Give 'Em The Boot II" - 1999, Hellcat Records ("Crack Rock Steady")
• "Ska Sucks" - 1998, Liberation Records ("Suicide (a better way)")
• "Smash Ignorance Up" - 1998, Possible Problem Records ("Money")
• "Skanarchy III" - 1997, Elevator Records ("Born to Die")
• "Picklemania NYC" - 199?, Riot Records ("500 Channels")
• "Finding a Voice: A Benefit For Humans" - 1999 Repetitively Futile Records ("Sweet Dreams")

Live:

• "Live 9/11 2005"

References

External links

• Old CV Fansite
• Crack Rock Steady Infö

See also

• Leftöver Crack
• No Commercial Value
• Crack Rock Steady 7
• Rotting (Canada)
• F-Minus
• No-Cash
• Star Fucking Hipsters