ANTI-FLAG “The Terror State”
A few days ago, I was pretty sure that I wasn’t going to review “The Terror State.” I had almost decided in full that I had nothing more to add in commenting on an established band with a rabid fanbase, a slew of near-classic records, and reputation for immensely polarizing their detractors. But I wasn’t satisfied with this decision (as you can tell) because “The Terror State,” isn’t merely another good ANTI-FLAG record, it’s the best release they’ve ever made, and by far, their most politically sound, and resourceful guide to date, reflecting upon macro political views that while carded by slogans, do have a respectable amount of substance behind them. “The Terror State,” musically, catches the band at their most sophisticated moments. With RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s Tom Morrello as executive producer, ANTI-FLAG sound tighter, stronger, and more confident than ever while rockin’ the traditional melodic punk rock sound. Although these guys have never been anything but passionate with their music, weak, rigid recording qualities have left some of their releases with less than flattering results (“A New Kind Of Army” being particular egregious). But the rich, textured sounds on “The Terror State” rock with aplomb, the band’s appeal to healthy CLASH influences (“Post-War Breakout,” “Power To the Peaceful”) give proper treatment where it is due. However, as ANTI-FLAG have always equally been about “the message” just as much as their solid musicianship, the artwork, especially the lyric booklet, finally does the band justice. I’ve been critical of these guys (and many others) in the past for talking big in their song lyrics, but failing to back up their points with factual data, or at least some credible references. The lyric booklet to “Terror State” is pretty awesome. I may not agree with everything they write about, but there’s a lot of eye-opening stuff contained within that impressionable, new-to-the-scene punk rockers will find stunning, and ultimately, will (hopefully) take pains to read up on (e.g. COINTELPRO, GATT, Emma Goldman, etc.). Bands like ANTI-FLAG need to exist because they push the envelope. Not everyone is personally fit to challenge authority or question what they’re told, but without someone telling them that such options are available and can be pursued, tounges are ultimately curtailed. “The Terror State” is a mighty fine effort all the way around.
Fat
