Album review : ANTI-FLAG -- "THE GENERAL STRIKE"

Anti-Flag are back after three years with their album "THE GENERAL STRIKE" released on 20th march 2012.They have stuck to their melodic hardcore punk sound that they have been carrying for more than two decades. With a run length of only 27:16, The General Strike is Anti-Flag's shortest album to date.

In the album the band retains their distrust with the political system and shown their disappointment with those American citizens who sit by and complain, without taking any action against the capitalists, opportunists and congressmen. They have shared personal experiences and the love of the musical life, as well as an ambition to move on, forgetting the past.

The album starts with a fast and quick intro called, “Controlled Opposition”, it is a 22 second shot of pure punk energy to get your blood pumping and to enjoy the music to come. The second song, “The Neoliberal Anthem” is a good album opener, true Anti-Flag music and lyrics related to the destruction of the world gives a hint about the direction album is going. The 3rd track "1915" is a song protesting against the capitalists.

The track “This is a New Sound" is pretty good and catchy, dealing with the boring life of the American citizens asking them to break free and rise against the wrong. The next track “Bullshit Opportunities” starts with hardcore screamed vocals and then returning to the signature Anti-Flag sound leading to the next track “The ranks of the masses rising” is an anthem calling out to this generation They call out to this generation, ” Get up! Get up! Your voices are needed. Become, become the pulse of the revolution. In the ranks of the masses rising.”This one will definitely pump you up.

The album then hits short song, “Turn a Blind Eye” which lasts about a minute. “Broken Bones” is a sing-along and my favorite, band has shared its experiences, their love for the music and the will to go on, forgetting the past. The next track “I don’t wanna” is all about rebellion.
“Nothing Recedes Like Progress” is another anti-political track echoing Mario Savio’s free speech oration in front of Sproul Hall in 1964, when comparing the government to a “sick machine.” The song deals with those who have taken advantage of the poor and overworked.

“Resist” is another short track leading to the last track of the album “The Ghosts of Alexandria” which is another catchy track and a  brilliant album closer leaving the album at a warm note musically.

Anti-Flag doesn’t disappoint and this record is no exception retaining their trademark melodic hardcore sound, anti-political attitude and the fire to bring a social change. This album urges you out of your seat and onto the street - it all sends the message that the time to act is indeed now and that tomorrow is just too late.

Recommended songs: This is the New Sound, The Ranks of the Masses Rising, Broken Bones, The ghost of Alexandria.