Bad Religion (www.badreligion.com) - on Epitaph
(www.epitaph.com)
Reviewed by
Shane Brinton
Together now for nearly 25 years, these American punk rock legends have never been shy about their political and philosophical judgements. From their firm stand against the Gulf War to recent songs like “Kyoto Now!� and “Materialist,� Bad Religion has long been a militant voice for peace and progress. This 14th and latest album, The Empire Strikes First, is no exception.
In what guitarist/background vocalist Brett Gurewitz calls a “...whole album... dedicated to getting Bush out of office,� the band has launched an all out 14 track offensive on America’s ultra-right and it’s doctrine of preemptive war.
The chorus of a song entitled “Let Them Eat War,� also appearing on Fat Wreck Chords’ (www.fatwreck.com) Rock Against Bush Vol. 2, features vocalist Greg Graffin sarcastically singing: “Let them eat war! Let them eat war! That’s how to ration the poor.� In another song, “The Empire Strikes First,� Graffin belts out: “We’re coming on fast and we’re built to last/ We stumbled once in ‘Nam now we’re glad to finally say those days have passed/ Tell me how long can it last?�
But while the whole CD is dedicated to defeating Bush, Bad Religion is not a band to ever limit itself to merely one issue. Songs on this album also tackle deeper problems like alienation and class oppression. Actually, this is one of the most impressive things about these guys: while many punk bands are content to scream simplistic political slogans, Bad Religion takes everything farther. Graffin and Guerewitz - the two primary songwriters - have a unique ability to convey not only political, but also scientific, intellectual, and philosophical ideas without seeming pretentious.
Of course progressive ideals and brilliant lyrics don’t make a good record on their own - there are plenty of bands with great lyrics and no musical talent or cohesiveness! But The Empire Strikes First passes this test too. Aggressive instrumentals without chaotic clatter, well coordinated and in-key background vocals, genuine talent, and an overall tightness make this record an absolute pleasure to listen to. With The Empire Strikes First, Bad Religion has achieved a new level of oneness - a near perfection that most other real punk bands never achieve and that is even difficult to find in the pre-manufactured, over pasteurized recordings of the corporate music industry.
Whether you are a long-time punk fan or somebody that just wants to see what it’s all about, chances are you’ll like this album. Lots of issues and great music... The Empire Strikes First really does have a bit of something for everybody.
And finally: what would a Bad Religion record be without a little criticism of the devout? Old-time fans of the band’s church rebuking atheist anthems will not be disappointed. With songs like “Sinister Rouge,� “Live Again (The Fall of Man),� “Atheist Peace,� and “God’s Love,� Bad Religion continues its long tradition of critical debate and banter.
From Bush’s justifications for war to the pervasiveness of religion, young people often feel like we’re living in a grand illusion. This is a beautifully crafted, tough as nails record about taking off our blinders and taking back our country... and ultimately our humanity.
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Top level
Dynamic Magazine
