Reston Hardcore by Andy Keiler is a chronicle of the rise of punk and hardcore music in Northern Virginia from the 1970s to the 1990s. He describes Reston as a planned community that provided structured amenities but limited unregulated youth activity. Early bands, including Teen Beat and Frodus, developed connections through local record stores and neighborhood networks, while others relied on DIY ways to distribute music independently. Keiler discusses the broader DC punk scene, emphasizing the links to Dischord Records and regional touring, as well as organized spaces for youth to perform publicly. Bands collaborated on songs and shared equipment while performing multiple musical styles. The book covers recording, production, and musical influences in the local scene, with Keiler championing the generational continuity of independent music networks.

Andy Keiler’s Reston Hardcore: An Oral History of Jam for Man and Beyond brilliantly celebrates creativity, persistence, and community in punk and hardcore music, with a massive amount of input from members of bands themselves, maintaining the book's structure. I most enjoyed reading about Keiler’s DJ work and collaborations, particularly routines with Cobra Kai and partnerships with peers like Derek Douglas and Tepper Gill. I found Keiler’s depictions of bands committed to involvement over decades, and the sheer volume of generosity, mentorship, and cooperative spirit intent on strengthening the scene, incredibly touching. The formatting is in a conversational interview style, which makes it so easy to connect with. In honoring both individual achievements and the broader networks that support creativity, Reston Hardcore succeeds as a celebratory account of artistic drive and community. Very highly recommended.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, a unique, vibrant music scene thrived in the suburban community of Reston, yet little is known about it. Developed as a model community, Reston had strict rules that aimed to suit a specific type of family— a “perfect family.” Kids were expected to conform to the established social, sports, or academic cultures. These rigid expectations alienated those who could not fit, leaving them with very little to do. Bored and left unsupervised, since most parents were working, these teenagers opted to experiment with music in their garages and basements. Soon, drawing inspiration from the Washington D.C. punk and hardcore scene, a musical movement was born, blending various genres and leading to the rise of local bands such as Pudwak, LDK, and Jam for Man, as well as iconic acts like Avail. Discover how all this happened in Reston Hardcore: An Oral History of Jam for Man and Beyond by Andy Keiler.

Lovers of music and entertainment books will find Reston Hardcore by Andy Keiler a great read. Curating the direct quotes of the people directly involved in the Reston music scene, ranging from musicians to organizers and other key players, Keiler gives readers a glimpse into the social landscape of 1980s and 1990s Reston, offering details behind the establishment of its music scene. The text keeps the natural tone of the speakers, even portraying their distinct personalities. This made the book feel like I was watching a musical documentary. I could picture the camaraderie, teenage mischief, and the layout of Reston through the narrators' perspectives. Their Do-it-Yourself (DIY) ethos, borrowed from the legendary Dischord Records in Washington, D.C, demonstrates the impact music can have on the younger generation. I learned a lot about the technology used for recording music, its distribution, and the booking and promotion of shows during that time, and how far it has evolved to the current generation.