Fucked Up is an amazing local hardcore band comprised of a hodge-podge of record nerds, shut-ins and political activists. This Halloween, Fucked Up are going to take you to hell and back with their incredible noise explosion.

You guys went from the worst band in Toronto to the best band in Toronto in a couple of years, how did you do it? M: I don't understand how we were ever either of these. J: Being in a band is like being on a diet. When you first start you suck at it and revert to your old ways... in our case making boring light speed noise and thinking about breakdowns. Eventually, you get the hang of things, start realizing how gluttonous you were before, and get your act together.

What's with all the SEVEN-INCHES? M: 45s are the best format, easiest to put out, most fun to collect, and easiest to write. J: It's about having a solid representation of your band. The short of it is that you can't fit all, and I mean all, your ideas on one record.

Favourite and least favourite Black Flag recordS? M: Best: 'œJealous Again'? 12'? '” best vocal period, fastest tightest tunes, thick cardboard sleeve. Worst: 'œTV Party'? single '” lamest tune, and featured on Futurama.

Where'd you get your inspiration to play THIS kinda stuff in Toronto? B: The only inspiration that Toronto offers comes out of trying to exist in such a bland and unwelcoming city. Even when a band like Fucked Up has existed for four years, the city (and by 'œcity'? I mean 'œthose who posture as being interested in independent music'?) can barely acknowledge our existence. All the while flash-in-the-pan gags get headlines and momentum. It's all about making music that cuts, you know?

Are things looking up? B: Basically, Fucked Up is in some sort of terminal state (no pun intended) so, depending on how you look at it, it's good or bad. The good of it is, we've got everything planned out for the next year-and-a-half and all we have to do is get on it. The bad part is, once all of that is done, we won't have anything to look forward to other than the opportunity to raze our legacy to the ground by continuing as a band. '” BY DANIELLA CONSTANZO