Anti-Flag - The People or the Gun
Rating
RIYL
RancidThe Casualties
The Unseen
Release Date
06/09/2009
Label
SideOneDummyTracklist
1. Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington D.C. (Sheep in Shepherds Clothing)2. The Economy is Suffering...Let It Die
3. The Gre(A)t Depression
4. We Are The One
5. You Are Fired (Take This Job)
6. This Is The First Night
7. No War Without Warriors (How Do You Sleep?)
8. When All The Lights Go Out
9. On Independence Day
10. The Old Guard
11. Teenage Kennedy Lobotomy
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Anti-Flag’s career has spanned three distinct phases: 1) their first three albums, which offered fast-paced, politically charged traditional punk; 2) the Fat Wreck Chords albums, which included their “breakout” and infectiously catchy Underground Network; and 3) the RCA-era, at which point the group took a (major label-influenced?) turn by incorporating spotless production with poppy, hook-driven punk rock. Needless to say, Anti-Flag have likely alienated the majority of their early fans while at the same time garnered the attention of a much wider audience. With their newest album, The People or the Gun, Anti-Flag utilize elements from the entirety of their discography in a way that should satisfy fans from across the entire punk spectrum.
Thankfully, the glossy shine imposed on their last two albums has been replaced by a slightly grittier production that better showcases the group’s aggressive, guitar-driven sound. Songs like “You Are Fired (Take This Job, Ah, Fuck It.),” “No War Without Warriors (How Do You Sleep?)” and “Teenage Kennedy Lobotomy” hearken back to band’s earlier days of short, explosive bursts of anger-filled punk. Most of the tracks successfully incorporate the heavier tone of their earlier work into the catchiness of their more recent albums. “When All the Lights Go Out,” the strongest track the band has written in some time, offers the best example of the band intertwining punk elements with memorable riffing and gripping lyrics.
Despite some faster moments, Anti-Flag hasn’t completely reverted back to their hardcore punk-fueled sound. “This is the First Night” and “On Independence Day” tread water thanks to ineffective guitar lines and lackluster vocal patterns, while “The Gre(a)t Depression” sounds like Bruce Springsteen trying to write a punk song, and the results are about as bad as you would think. That said, there are no blatant ballads or “singles” to be found here, a decision on the band’s part that should please the group’s punk-leaning fanbase.
Most listeners are aware of the political nature of the group, but in case you are not, expect plenty of rallying against government bailouts, the economy, war, and the power of religion. Though Anti-Flag’s discography may have taken a hit in the past few years, it appears the group has righted the ship and managed to write an album that should appeal to fans both new and old. While not as immediately catchy as Underground Network, The People or the Gun is a step in the right direction and shows that Anti-Flag may not be finished unleashing their ideals on the masses quite yet.
--Matt Murphy
Comments
Atascadero, CA
skimmed through it, but found it enjoyable for sure. haven't been into this guys for a few releases but this one has a bit more of my attention from first listen. will try n follow the lyrics a bit more for future spins.
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Minnesota
Eh, I just can't get back into this band. A couple ok songs, but what happened to the vocals? They're way worse than on previous albums.
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Lehigh Valley, PA
These guys are still around?
San Diego, CA
i dig this record