Vince Bennett

Vincent Bennett is the vocalist for the Massachusetts hardcore band The Acacia Strain. Formed in 2001, the band has five studio albums under their belt. The band has quickly become a staple in the hardcore music scene, and provides a last bastion of hope for those seeking refuge from the flood of faceless, unrecognizable clone bands that dominate the genre today. What separates The Acacia Strain from other bands is, quite frankly, their conviction and heart. Other bands simply make music to make music, be recognized, get fans, and live the "band life". In doing this they attempt to make song that will please people, won't offend, and have no actual meaning beyond cliche meanings and weak breakdowns. The Acacia Strain, however, sticks to what it stands for and the values it promotes, such as: Anti-dependence on technology, anti-corporation and materialism, and disgust in how low humanity has stooped in recent years; especially in the U.S..

While these lyrics may come off as offensive and radical to many people, the fact is that these lyrics are honest and necessary in a world where people are easily mislead and controlled by the latest advertising slogan. What Vince Bennett aims to do by writing these lyrics is open peoples' eyes to the falsity of the world around them; a world that aims to control their hearts, minds, and bodies. The intensity and bluntness of these lyrics disturb people, and shake them out of the comfortable, consumeristic lives and makes them think about what they are doing and whether they actually have any human values left in them.

Seeing the band live, however, is really the only way to fully experience the band. The second the first song begins, the pit explodes outward and the energy bursts from the crowd. The dancing does get violent at times, as it is supposed to, but it is not violence intended to be violent; it is a way to let off steam and loosen up. Mr. Bennett was pulled into the hardcore music scene himself by the power of live shows, "Seeing live music gives an extra depth to the music. You see it, you feel it, and you hear it." He also makes an important point: "Violence, lots of violence. It’s a positive outlet to negative emotions. Anyone who says the Acacia Strain endorses fighting is dead wrong. Get a grip. I just want people to have fun, which is why I throw the thumbs up at the end of the show. I tell people to smile. I WANT people to smile. Danger is just part of the fun." Again, seeing the band live is the only way to truly experience them.

And while the entire band is incredibly inspiring and influential in my life, Vincent Bennett stands out. First off, he's Straight Edge. A lifestyle that refrains from drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and anything else that can poison one's body. It is a life commitment that is incredibly hard to maintain, and standing by it is no easy task. I personally do not claim to be Straight Edge--although I maintain a sober lifestyle--but I have incredible respect for anyone that can stand the Straight Edge lifestyle. Vincent Bennett owns and designs the Diamond Cut clothing brand, a brand that sells Straight Edge clothing exclusively. Bennett also occupies himself in the collecting of rare and heavily sought after KAWS (artist and designer of mass produced art and clothing) and other vinyl art pieces. His collection--which is nothing less than imposing--puts my own pitiful collection to shame, and inspires me to further my own interests in the art world.

Vincent Bennett, and The Acacia Strain, have shaped who I am today--as cliche as that sounds. The band is not only an amazing hardcore band, but also a representation of a band that will not succumb to critical response, emulate other bands, exist solely for the purpose of achieving ephemeral stardom, or change their values in any way to further themselves in the music scene. By upholding these values in their music, they have in turn influenced me to uphold the same values; to stand by my convictions, follow my goals, and stay my own person.