American Fall CoverIt’s hard to believe that Anti-Flag has been around since 1988, when this reviewer was but a wee lass of seven years of age. I remember hearing their songs for the first time in high school. As I have always been an activist myself, I was drawn to their sound, their message, and their lyrics. And, no one else I knew liked them. Instantly, it made me love them even more. Indeed, I have always been a big fan of the punk scene. Therefore, Anti-Flag has long been one of my go-to bands. Coming from a similar area of the country to their Pittsburgh roots, I felt a closeness to them divided only by a small border between Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Also, I have always felt a bit of a kindred spirit with the band, what with their working class politics, impenetrable activism, and unabashed, gritty, “who gives a shit if anyone likes us” style. And, I am pleased to report that it is the same spirit that their newest release, American Fall, is infused with. From top to bottom, this album is a ripper and exactly what this world needs right now. It isn’t their heaviest release. But, that’s fine. It doesn’t need to be. Reality is heavy enough!
Of note, this album was coproduced by the band with Benji Madden of Good Charlotte. Therefore, some of Good Charlotte’s pop punk influence finds its way into some of the tracks. To be sure, a little variety can be a good thing as long as it doesn’t take away from their sound. To that end, it is obvious that Anti-Flag utilized a wide range of sonic influences with this album. And, it works out well for them.
In reality, American Fall takes a nice, hard look at the state of things around this country. As always, they tackle topics from politics (as per usual) to persistent racism and life in the digital age, with a little warning of what will happen if we don’t wake the fuck up around here and change some things, fast. The message is appreciated, and as can be expected, lyrically they’re as on point as they’ve ever been.
To start, from the first track, “American Attraction,” there is no doubt what the guys in Anti-Flag set out to do: expose some of the dirty truths of American society, namely in this cut, America’s obsessions with guns and violence. Though they aren’t saying anything that many around the country haven’t said, combined with heavy drums and killer, aggressive guitars, they say it better than anyone else. That song sets the tone for what is to come. They only veer slightly off-course through the eleven-song album.
Explicitly showcasing their signature sound, American Fall leaves the ears battered and worn, and for all the right reasons. Namely, Chris #2 is at his strongest, as far as I am concerned, in this album. And, in cuts like “Trouble Follows Me,” “Liar,” and “Finish What We Started,” he shines. Similarly, Chris Head absolutely kills on guitar throughout the entire album. And, with Pat Thetic on the sticks and Justin Sane on vocals, Anti-Flag are truly at their best sonically with this album. To be sure, “I Came. I Saw. I Believed” is one of the most solid Anti-Flag tracks out there. In fact, it is one of my favorites on the whole album.
For the most part, it is clear the essence of Anti-Flag is still very strong and present. Ultimately, this is true even when they go and dabble in some ska-punk in “When The Wall Falls” and go a little more aggressively heavy with “Digital Blackout.” Of course, “Casualty” is the perfect closure track for the album. In effect, this track serves as a no-holds-barred reminder that they will not be going anywhere, anytime soon. That said, steady in its course, and with drums for days, “Casualty” absolutely nails the nature of the band and of the album at large.
Overall, American Fall, is one of the best Anti-Flag albums of their catalog, and while it lacks the typical battle cry, fists in the air, charge ‘em down and Fuck The Man songs of albums past, this album doesn’t need them. Thus, solid in its sound and current in its message, American Fall is the Anti-Flag album we all need and deserve. Anti-Flag is a band known for their passion and their endearing inability to keep their mouths shut about issues that matter to them. As a result, this album is a bold reminder of why we all love them in the first place.
Certainly, at no other time has the essence of Anti-Flag been more needed or essential to not only punk rock but to the political movements we find ourselves in within this country than now. Moreover, they prove that you don’t need to shout all the time to get your message across. Oftentimes, the strongest voices are the ones that remain consistent, sometimes changing in tone but never lacking in passion. Assuredly, if there’s one thing to be said about Anti-Flag it’s that they possess those strong, consistent, and passionate voices that continue to press on, no matter how dark and stormy the nights may be.
American Fall Tracklist
1. American Attraction
2. The Criminals
3. When The Wall Falls
4. Trouble Follows Me
5. Finish What We Started
6. Liar
7. Digital Blackout
8. I Came. I Saw. I Believed.
9. Racists
10. Throw It Away
11. Casualty
American Fall gets a solid five skulls.
