Reviews

I really love reviewing records that I have no right reviewing. Like a couple of years ago, when I did The Draft record; I had never listened to Hot Water Music and I really wasn’t into the whole Gainesville “thing.” But I did enjoy the record (immensely) and felt my review did it justice, though I’d certainly change a thing or two now that I’m a devout HWM fan and a bit more clued in to Florida’s music scene. The reason I begin this way is because I really don’t know much of Anti-Flag’s work. I know a lot of kids who dig anarchy and mohawks like them. I’ve heard the song “911 for Peace” and put it on a mix CD for my brother years ago. I saw them perform a few songs in Chicago when they headlined a bill featuring Big D and the Kids Table, Alexisonfire, and Set Your Goals. I remember being at that show and thinking that if Anti-Flag was cool enough to take three amazing bands out on tour with them, I should probably give a more thorough listen…I didn’t.

So now we arrive at the release of The People or the Gun, the first output from the band since they left major label RCA for the greener pastures of awesome independents SideOneDummy. If this release is indicative of past Anti-Flag material, I’ve been sorely missing out. The People or the Gun reads like an updated road map to punk rock; there are hints of The Sex Pistols, Against Me!, Black Flag, Comeback Kid and Rise Against. While the songs may seem to vary a bit too much throughout an entire listen, everything is nicely tied together by stellar production and the political lyrics that have been an Anti-Flag hallmark since day one. I’m certainly not the most aware or outspoken citizen on the block and I’m not terribly fond of political tirades, but here, the lyrics act as the thread that pulls everything taught, keeping the release from being bogged down by its own ambition.

The People or the Gun is an excellent record and were it possible for punk rock to be a bit subtler with its politics, I might like it even more. But, alas, subtlety has never been in the punk vernacular and Anti-Flag is simply holding that up as a badge of honor, not shame. I really don’t skip over anything here and I often find myself singing along despite my political ignorance…and I’ll bet that’s exactly what Anti-Flag wants. If that’s the case, well done, boys!