Watch Rye Coalition - The Story Of The Hard Luck 5

Rye Coalition - The Story of the Hard Luck 5 is a 2014 rockumentary that chronicles the underdog story of New Jersey's Rye Coalition, a hard-working and hard-playing band whose dedicated following was never enough to catapult them into mainstream success. The film follows the band's trajectory, from their early beginnings in the early '90s to their later struggles with getting their music heard by a wider audience.

The film is directed by Jenni Matz, who herself is a longtime fan of the band. She weaves together archival footage, photos and interviews with band members and their colleagues, as well as with music industry insiders, to tell the band's story. Throughout the film, we see the band's highs and lows, their frenetic live shows, and their tenacious dedication to their craft.

The film's central theme is that of the underdog, the band that refused to give up despite the numerous obstacles thrown their way. From a difficult home life to a constantly shifting marketplace, Rye Coalition never had an easy path, and this unceasing struggle is what makes their story so compelling. Against all odds, the band persevered, winning over new fans at every show, and becoming an integral part of their local music scene.

The film features interviews with a range of Rye Coalition's most vocal supporters, including famed recording engineer Steve Albini, who played a key role in producing the band's seminal album Jersey Girls. Albini provides insight into the band's creative process, and his admiration for their work is clear. Other notable interviewees include David Clifford, the band's longtime manager, who provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the band's careers, and Ralph Cuseglio, the band's charismatic frontman, who talks candidly about the band's trajectory.

Throughout the film, we get to see the band's music grow and evolve, and the filmmakers make clever use of archival footage to highlight the band's unique sound. The film also touches on the role that Rye Coalition played in the wider punk and indie rock scenes, and how their music influenced other bands in the genre. Alongside commentary from music critics and industry insiders, we see how Rye Coalition's music helped define a generation.

One of the most impressive things about Rye Coalition - The Story of the Hard Luck 5 is the amount of passion that the filmmakers put into the project – this is clearly a labor of love. This is a story that begs to be told, and the filmmakers do a great job of weaving together the various elements that make this band so interesting to watch. Whether you're a fan of punk rock or just a lover of underdog stories, Rye Coalition - The Story of the Hard Luck 5 is a film that is well worth your time.

Rye Coalition - The Story Of The Hard Luck 5 is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.