Between Resistance & Community: The Long Island Do-it-yourself Punk Scene

Between Resistance & Community: The Long Island Do-it-yourself Punk Scene is a 2002 documentary directed by Joe Carroll and Ben Holtzman that takes a deep dive into an underground movement that helped shape and define punk music in America. The film prominently features the likes of Matterman Cannino, Chris Clavin, Jimmy Broustis, Phil Douglas, Craig Contra, and Wells Tipley, who were key contributors to the Long Island punk scene.

The film explores the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) punk scene that sprouted across basements, small venues and clubs, and outdoor spaces of Long Island, New York during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is a raw and vibrant inspection of an unfiltered music culture that not only served as a platform for musicians to express themselves freely but also became a symbol for youthful rebellion and reclamation of space.

Carroll and Holtzman's documentary is crafted with the same ethos as the DIY punk scene it portrays, showcasing a narrative filled with authenticity and rough,resilient beauty. They meticulously capture the essence and ethos of the underground music that continually opposed mainstream culture and commercial avenues.

The title of the film - 'Between Resistance & Community' - encapsulates the primary tension within this subculture, a battle between defying societal norms and cultivating a sense of community. Through interviews with the Punk scene's prominent figures, including band members, concert organizers, and ardent fans, the documentarians managed to effectively capture this tension.

Matterman Cannino is portrayed as a fiercely independent artist resisting the temptation of selling out his music for commercial gains. Chris Clavin comes across as an influential figure with his poignant and powerful lyrics that often targeted societal issues such as politics, capitalism, and societal norms. Jimmy Broustis is depicted in the film playing an instrumental role in fostering the DIY ethos, creating a community through music that was open, accepting, and down-to-earth. Phil Douglas, Craig Contra, and Wells Tipley are portrayed as embodiments of rebellion within the punk scene, contributing to what made it deeply anti-establishment.

A significant focus in the film is how the DIY punk scene's independent ethos extends beyond music. It touches on the way the concerts are set up, how records are distributed, and how the scene entirely operates outside the realm of convention. The film captures the spirit of inclusivity, the rebellious ethos, and the sense of belonging that extended beyond just the music in the DIY punk scene.

Among the delights of Between Resistance & Community: The Long Island Do-it-yourself Punk Scene is its sound design. The pounding drums, screeching guitars and grunge-filled punk anthems of the DIY scene are threaded throughout the film, making viewers feel like they've stepped into a forgotten era of punk history. At its core, it’s a love letter to an underground music scene that existed in complete defiance of commercialization and mainstream success.

The documentary also provides a perspective on the social implications of the punk scene, portraying it as a reaction to the frustrations of mainstream society and a catalyst for social and political rebellion. Paralleling the political and economic climate of Long Island and America during the era, the film portrays punk as a rebellious answer to the societal issues faced by the youth. The soundtrack pulses not only with unvarnished music but also a fervent political ideology that serves as a clarion call for rebellion.

In conclusion, Between Resistance & Community: The Long Island Do-it-yourself Punk Scene is an electrifying ride that encapsulates the spirit of rebellion, the aspirations for freedom, and the art of uncompromised creative expression inherent in the punk subculture. Despite its rough edges, the film effectively captures the essence of the punk scene and wraps the narrative in themes of community, resistance, and identity. It stands as a testament to a fast, loud, and gritty era of music history that continues to resonate today. Be it a punk enthusiast or a casual viewer; the film offers a fascinating exploration of a very particular, vibrant corner of music culture.