After checking out the Fat Wreck Chords site, I came across a band that I'd heard of, but never heard their music. I decided to change that. After hearing 3 songs, I bought this CD on the double. It's simply that good. The lyrics are expressive, the music varies from song to song but still keeps the punk standard and this CD conveys one simple message; Our government sucks!
TURNCOAT (8/10):
After a nice acoustic intro, this song goes straight into it. The verses are catchy with the even lines simply saying "We don't want lies we want the truth!" A great song to introduce this CD, but nevertheless not the best.
RANK-N-FILE (7/10):
It has to be said that this is a more poppier song. The way it is sung, the music they play. But it is still a good song. Nice to listen to after Turncoat as it's still quite mellow at the moment.
POST-WAR BREAKOUT (9/10):
I love this song. This is a kinda hardcore ska song I guess. No horns though, but very ska like music. And the verses are so simple (I'm a post-war breakout/And a post-war breakdown/I'm a post-war syndrome/And a post-war hero) but work so well. This is the last mellow song on this album you'll hear for a while...
SOLD AS FREEDOM (7/10):
Now it's getting heavier. The verses are well done, with Nate singing the main line and the whole band shouting it afterwards. The choruses talk a lot about fire which conveys a good image of the world today. The bridge is pretty good too, but there are better songs on the album.
POWER TO THE PEACEFUL (8/10):
One of my favourite songs. An almost Green Day intro with the drumbeats, then guitar. The riffs are simple but heavy and distorted. Then the leadup to the chorus (This voice is calling in the wind...) is very powerful and works so well for the song. This is also one of the only AF songs with a solo and it fits so well for the song.
MIND THE G.A.T.T. (6/10):
This isn't one of the best songs at all. Not to say it isn't good, it could just be better. It is very light and not musically that good either. This is one of those songs on the album which you always forget and eventually end up skipping everytime you listen to the album. Enough said!
YOU CAN KILL THE PROTESTER, BUT YOU CAN'T KILL THE PROTEST (7/10):
Straight after the "not so good" song and with an extraordinarily long title, this isn't as good as expected either. It is a good song, just not one to remember. The chorus is very expressive however and the outro is something to redeem the song from getting a 6.
WHEN YOU DON'T CONTROL YOUR GOVERNMENT PEOPLE WANT TO KILL YOU (6/10):
Another long title, another long wait for another descent song. The first verse is so plain and boring, but the chorus and afterwards aren't bad. Good music throughout I guess.
WAKE UP (7/10):
This is a pretty cool song once you listen to it a few times. The chorus (simply "Wake up, wake up, to the world around you") is done well with different drumbeats and amount of strums each time with the same music. It is a cool song I guess, but it is very basic and not what I'd expect from Anti-Flag.
TEARING DOWN THE BORDERS (9/10):
****ing amazing song! The intro may seem a lot like Sold As Freedom but this song is so much better. From the intro scream to the fast outro this is one hell of a ride. The verses are so quiet, then it hits into the pre-chorus and chorus. The bridge is so good as well, both lyrically and musically. My favourite track on the album and I expect a lot of other peoples too
DEATH OF A NATION (9/10):
Probably my second favourite, this hits straight into the band screaming "WHEN ALL YOU NEEDED" and then Nate starts singing the verses. This is probably the heaviest song on the album and one of the best. The chorus is again simple but effective (Say your prayers/For the death of a nation/Say your prayers/For the dead generation) and this song should defiantly be checked out.
OPERATION IRAQI LIBERAL (O.I.L.) (8/10):
This is a pretty cool song. A pretty plain song but after 2 amazing songs from this album, it still carries the energy and message from them. I wouldn't listen to this over and over like the last two, but it certainly is a cool song.
ONE PEOPLE, ONE STRUGGLE (9/10):
Ending on a simply amazing song. The intro again is the band shouting "The people, united, will never be defeated" and that is heard throughout the song. This song spreads an important message and has great lyrics and amazing riffs to get it out. A perfect way to end this monster of an album
So if this is the first time you've picked up an Anti-Flag album you won't be disappointed. Great punk sounds all the way through, meaningful lyrics and catchy riffs. If you are a AF fan, this is slightly less heavy than older albums like Mobilize and Underground Network but I think all punk lovers will like this.
4/5
