Anti-Flag - The People or the Gun (2009)

Track listing

"Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington D.C. (Sheep In Shepherd's Clothing)" – 2:50
"The Economy Is Suffering...Let It Die" – 3:36
"The Gre(a)t Depression" – 3:08
"We Are The One" – 3:07
"You Are Fired (Take This Job, Ah, Fuck It)" – 1:00
"This Is The First Night" – 3:33
"No War Without Warriors (How Do You Sleep?)" – 2:28
"When All The Lights Go Out" – 3:08
"On Independence Day" – 2:51
"The Old Guard" – 4:17
"Teenage Kennedy Lobotomy" (Hidden track) – 1:06

It's heartening to see a post-millennial punk band upholding the legitimate politicized anger--and defiant hope--that stirred the original class of '77 and the hardcore bands of the mid-'80s. And although the band's music sounds current, with hints of thrash and other more recent sounds, their overall vibe is an homage to the simple, powerful, message-heavy music of their forebears. Anti-Flag's ninth studio album includes intense jeremiads about consumerism, the dismal economy, the greed behind both, the never-ending war in Iraq, and the bright flashes of optimism that reside in all of us. Stand-out tracks include the hardcore-ish "No War Without Warriors (How Do You Sleep)" and "On Independence Day," which shows off bassist Chris #2's chops.

Personnel: Anti-Flag (percussion); Justin Sane, Chris Head (vocals, guitar); Chris #2 (vocals, bass instrument); Tyler Kweder, Marc Riot, Marc Code, Jason Cantu, Corey Cameron (vocals); Pat Thetic (drums); Katie Bullers, Anna Schwartz (hand claps).

Alternative Press (p.122) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Laced with vicious gang vocals and guitars that could electrocute, the album burns with the hunger of a band whose metaphorical battle - between the people and the gun -- extends far beyond the music industry."