There are some bands who refuse to conform to what others might expect, and resolutely set a path and continue on it through thick and thin, and that is the case with Pittsburgh’s Anti-Flag who are back with their tenth album. They’ve been at this game for more than twenty years now, and have their own sound which brings in influences from bands as diverse as Rancid, NOFX, The Clash and even The Levellers (I know this last doesn’t make sense in many ways, but just listen to this and you will see what I mean). This is punk rock with attitude, and if they want to write and perform an anthem (“Finish What We Started”) or ska (“When The Wall Falls”) then so be it.
This is an overtly political album, written as a response to the Trump administration and what the band sees going around them. The heaviest, fastest and shortest number on the album is “Liar”, and this is the one where it really hits home I'll never trust you, you're just a liar, Closing the border of the fallen empire, I never thought that it would end like this, A finger on the button and a trigger to the kids”. This is a band that are conscious of society, there place within it, and what needs to change. Next to the lyrics to “Casualty” are accompanied by phone numbers for Trans Lifeline, Suicide Prevention, Domestic Violence, Crisis Text Line, and Trevor Project Lifeline. Moreover, the booklet includes essays, quotes, and writings of Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz, Peter Montgomery, Ryan Harvey, and more. Punk with a conscience, Joe Strummer would be proud.
