Anti-Flag – The General Strike

By Tom Aylott

Undoubtedly there are legitimate reasons to be fearful over the state of society in recent times. It is not necessary to have an in-depth understanding of politics to at least notice the civilian uprise in a significant number of Arab states (Egypt and Libya most noticeable amongst the Arab Spring). Closer to home the Occupy Movement caused mayhem in central London, incited by the demonstrations and protests in the United States which all-but shut down trading on Wall Street in New York City.

Regardless of any personal feeling either towards or against this display of social frustration, it was blindingly obvious that politically charged musicians would use the opportunity to reinforce their viewpoints. Opinionated bands were quick to have their say on the London Riots, the international demonstrations and the violent uprisings. Needless to say, it was not going to be long before one of the most politically vocal of them all (ANTI-FLAG) had their turn.

Opening with a twenty second attack on judicial processes in the United States (“No justice in a legal system run by criminals…”), it is as immediately evident as it unsurprising that ‘The General Strike’ is not going to see the band hold back on political views. The eleven tracks that follow openly discuss economic protest, middle-eastern violence and the social issues within the United States.

On ‘Resist’, vocalist Justin Sane declares that he has something to say, and that he will “say it again”. Ignoring whether you agree with the arguments that ANTI-FLAG are making on ‘The General Strike’ (although if you do not agree with neoliberalism you may as well stop reading here), the band have almost perfectly summed up the major issue with their own release: does “I’ve got something to say and I’ll say it again” not imply that we have heard it all before? Unfortunately for ANTI-FLAG, the answer is a resounding yes.

You have to retain a strong political mind to be effected deeply by the issues raised throughout this album, and although the Arab Spring was an effective means of liberating countries under corrupt rule, the Occupy Movement has caused controversy across the globe. To base an album on a political ideology that only a minority feel overly strong about is either genuinely clever or a self-indulgent misstep.

It is difficult to focus on the music on offer during ANTI-FLAG‘s ninth studio album as it is deliberately overshadowed by the political message. Wipe away the message to the music and what remains is a good, but by no means complex or innovative, melodic punk album. There are a few moments on ‘The General Strike’ where the band members demonstrate the complexity and coherent sound which originally propelled them into punk’s upper echelons, yet these are sliced between generic melodic punk guitar riffs and some occasionally debateable vocals.

‘The General Strike’ is an ANTI-FLAG album; nothing more and nothing less. If the context and style of the more recent albums have proved favourable to you, than this record will please in equal measures. For a politically driven record however, ANTI-FLAG may have stepped too far into the obscure to really appeal widely. Ignore the political message (if you can) and there is enough here to have you bouncing around in your living room.

BEN TIPPLE

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