I hate to pick on Victory Records — with the possible exceptions of Zero Hour and Mammoth, no other indie proved as influential to the development of Matador’s early aesthetic. But I couldn’t help but take notice of the following spiel on Victory’s site, supposedly penned by the label’s latest signing, The Warriors.

At one point or another, everyone has had a friend who has pulled you out of a dark place; Someone who has believed and cared enough to provide you with new hope and encouragement. For us, Victory Records is that friend. Victory has released the most progressive and influential hardcore bands for nearly 2 decades (This FACT is undeniable), and we’re more than honored to carry the torch. Will this change the content of our records, musically or visually? Absolutely not. We are now and ever shall be dedicated to creating music that is both honest, progressive and most importantly “Hardcore”, as we have come to define it for ourselves. Our love and dedication for what we do will only be amplified by this new friendship. So from Cause For Alarm, Warzone, Snapcase to Comeback Kid, the Victory hardcore legacy continues. Our friends at Eulogy Recordings will forever remain friends. We will never forget their efforts and generosity. Eulogy gave us life, now Victory will ensure our survival as a band. From this point on any future Warriors records will proudly bare the mark of the Bull Dog.

I’m sorry, but the above testimonial — give or take a few band names substituted — is word for word, culled from the exact same letter the Ponys wrote after their signing to Matador this past July. I should know. I made them write it.

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