PARK SLOPE — He’s been all around the world, sold hundreds of thousands of records, and is regarded by many as somewhat of an icon in the punk rock and hardcore music scenes.
But musician Walter Schreifels, best known for his pioneering post-hardcore act Quicksand in the 1990’s, and tenure in legendary hardcore bands Gorilla Biscuits and Youth Of Today in the 1980s, is — at the core — a real Brooklyn fella.
Although born in Rockaway, Schreifels has made Brooklyn his home for decades, and his ties to the borough run considerably deep.
“I’ve lived in Park Slope and Williamsburg for decades — and my father is from Flatbush. I’ve also recorded music in Brooklyn extensively,” Schreifels told the Brooklyn Eagle.
Quicksand, Schreifels’ most notable musical endeavor, was founded in 1990, and its band personnel has their roots in the New York Hardcore scene.
The group quickly rose from performing at club venues to touring North America and Europe with national acts like Helmet, Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine, Anthrax and White Zombie.
Their exposure led to the band signing a record deal with major label Polydor Records in 1992, subsequently becoming the first post-hardcore band to do so.
Quicksand is still active and performing at venues to this day. In fact, the group is slated to be back in Brooklyn in May. performing at the Brooklyn Paramount.
Schreifels is also the creative force behind yet another New York City-based project — Rival Schools — which he described as “lyrically hopeful and optimistic.”
“It’s also very melodic vocally — but heavy at the same time,” he noted.
“I’ve always loved music as far back as I can remember,” Schreifels recalled. “When I was a kid, I would stay up late to watch Saturday Night Live to see who the musical guests were; and I was also a big fan of Don Kirshner’s Rock…
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