 They became notable for what was known at the time as "tough-guy" hardcore – that is to say a brand of hardcore punk which was often harsher, more basic and heavier than its preceding type, and certainly more so than the west coast brand of California punk.Comparisons with thrash metal – also popular at the time – could have been drawn, but New York hardcore lacked the guitar solos of the alternate genre.The vocal style was also different – complete with gang backing vocals.