A New Kind Of Army
Anti-Flag

It's made clear right from the first glance of the cover booklet that the "Anti" prefix is not a slight at any nation in particular but instead a declaration of disillusionment toward nationalism and a general opposition toward war, hostile corporations and disunity, or simply the basic gripes that have characterized the Punk music cause since the days of its birth.

Thus, their "new" kind of army. And talk about obsessive, they've actually got an IRS form printed on the disc itself. Alright, alright!

Now, shaking off the excessiveness that blurs the line between true Punk and its Pop/Alternative counterpart, Anti-Flag is determined in their stance and in the way in which it's presented. "Tearing Everyone Down" makes perfect use of their idealism and effectively tears away any principles foreign to that which they proclaim. Along the revolutionary trail which they seek to forge as their new kind of army is assembled, lest we forget the importance that many modern day artists of extreme music mean to convey but all too often is fallen upon deaf ears.

Whatever the Hell that's supposed to mean. So let's move on it here and if the spirit moves you, write to your local government officials or something!

Released by Go Kart Records: http://www.gokartrecords.com/

Anti-Flag Website: http://www.anti-flag.com/

By Vinnie Apicella.

I've been waiting for this one… their stunning follow up to '99s "New Kind of Army," Anti-Flag waves proudly on their third full length and first for Fat Mike's Fat Wreck Chord's label… the music and their message ring loudly and clearly-an aural form of stiff armed resistance with a politically slanted rant and rage that belies the traditionally-fueled Punk Rock roots all smoothed over with melodious overtones and clean production.

"Angry, Young and Poor," similar to the last album's "What You Don't Know," blurts out the initial ramblings of a well-channeled form of rancor that should be soon heralded as a rallying cry for troubled youth and excessive political bilge.

A politically… and apocalyptic? equal to Rock radio Gods Rage Against the Machine," Anti-Flag's integrity and intensity are riding the red line all throughout-"This Machine Kills Fascists," "Underground Network," "Stars and Stripes"-spitting venom against nationalism, media hypocrisy and misguided exploitative effects.

In fact you could cover your eyes and drop the coin down on any number you wish, there'll be some issue to be raised-and dealt with in no uncertain terms before it's all over.

Anti-Flag for all their internal wailings has the makings to be amongst the elite of the Punk Rock classes before too long.

For "Underground Network," only their third album and what should be widely regarded as a conscientious and mature effort in a string of fast rising content, the Pittsburgh natives seemingly pulled out all the stops here, going so far as to recruit a college professor and quoting other significant figures to contribute their thoughts and opinions of which many of these tunes were inspired.

The "Underground Network's" alive and well in the new age-a new dawning of refusal, resistance and revolution… turning a deaf ear is not an option.

Released by Fat Wreck Chords
Website: http://www.fatwreck.com

Anti-Flag Website: http://www.anti-flag.com/

Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]
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