Reagan Youth at Irving Plaza

Singer Dave Insurgent (Dave Rubinstein) and guitarist Paul Cripple (Paul Bakija) formed Reagan Youth while attending high school in Queens, New York. The band's name was a play on Hitler Youth, comparing then-President Ronald Reagan to Adolf Hitler, and the songs were often satirical commentary about the evils of society. Reagan Youth was a leading band in the New York hardcore punk scene from 1980 to 1990, often performing at CBGB's hardcore punk matinees and recording one album; a second album was released after the band split apart. Insurgent's drug dealing led to a near-fatal beating in Manhattan in 1990, which began the demise of the band; he committed suicide three years later. Cripple in 2006 revived the brand name with a new singer and musicians to perform the band's songs from the 1980s. The present band consists of Cripple on guitar, vocalist Trey Oswald, bassist Tibbie X and drummer Stig Whisper.

Especially in recent years, Reagan Youth performances have been erratic, but the present incarnation of the band was at its best tonight at Irving Plaza. The music was as loud, fast, and anarchistic as ever,  performing the band's old catalogue including "Degenerated", "(Are You) Happy", "No Class", "Reagan Youth", "Heavy Metal Shuffle" and "I Hate Hate." Oswald did a fine job as front man and vocalist, but the subliminal star was Cripple finely playing dense guitar work replete with sonic experiments. Cripple is the band's secret weapon and is arguably the best lead guitarist in the local punk scene.

Visit Reagan Youth at www.reagan-youth.com.