Anti-Flag pro-charity

By Eric Jaen
Collegian Editor
October 10, 2007

After assembling a solidified lineup in the early ’90s, Pittsburgh’s political punk rockers Anti-Flag have spent over a decade spitting out their tunes of anti-establishment sentiment and unity to audiences across the globe. However, on Feb. 7, bassist/vocalist Chris #2 and his family were struck with the horror of losing a family member when his sister and her boyfriend fell victim to violent crime, leaving behind a young daughter and son. While people react differently to tragic events, the quartet turned to music and put together a limited edition benefit EP, aptly titled A Benefit For Victims of Violent Crime. Similar to the band’s 2002 release, Mobilize, the disc contains five new studio tracks as well as several live cuts. Furthermore, the proceeds of the album will be going to The Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, as well as educational bonds for #2’s niece and nephew.

The EP kicks off with “No Paradise,” a poppy number along the lines of the more upbeat tracks found on The Terror State. The catchy riffage and gang vocals set a positive tone for the rest of the record, very fitting for guitarist/vocalist Justin Sane’s infectious melodies. On the other hand, “No Future” is a harder, unadulterated, angst-filled bulldozer of punk rock, and one of two tracks powered by #2’s rougher vocals, which, as per usual, compliment Sane’s quite nicely.

While the EP is a benefit for victims of violent crimes, the lyrical content still consists of the same anti-establishment, anti-war topics that the band has become known for. There is no denying that much of the group’s discography prides itself on catchy hooks that leave listeners satiated by the end of the record. For instance, the track “Anthem For the New Millennium Generation,” is a fun sing-a-long with an irresistible chorus of, “They’re gonna hear us sing/’We won’t go, we won’t answer the call/We know that you’re lying; that you never the tell the truth’/We said we won’t go because we don’t believe you.”

The live portion of the disc is basically what you’d expect from a live recording; nothing too mind-blowing, but good enough to warrant a play through. The recording quality is perfect and refrains from sounding too polished. The song selection includes some fan favorites found on the band’s past few releases, including “No Borders No Nations” off of a split with The Bouncing Souls, and “911 For Peace” from Mobilize. Both are played a bit faster than their studio counterparts. Newer songs “1 Trillion Dollars” and “The Project For a New American Century,” off of For Blood and Empire, come off sounding fantabulous, as the participation from the hometown crowd was hot.

Overall, A Benefit For Victims Of Violent Crime is a solid effort from these Pennsylvania punx, and would serve as a good soundtrack for an afternoon skate session. Fans of the band’s previous release will most likely enjoy the new tunes, as Anti-Flag picked up right where For Blood and Empire left off. In the end, purchasers get an awesome release, but more importantly, get to support a more than worthy cause. The band itself said it best, “We all look for our own tangible ways to impact this sometimes arduous world, but just by holding this collection of songs in your hand you have become part of a very real impact.” For more information on The Center for Victims of Violence and Crime visit cvvc.org.

viscof1@lasalle.edu