Normally bands that exist solely for the purpose of disseminating a particular ideology, religion, or philosphy, shit me to tears. Let's talk about Shelter for instance. A band that exists for the purpose to convert people to Krishna? Nope, sorry. Earth Crisis? Again, fuck them. Even though it's cool to like them again. And don't get me started on birthright...geez...a band that's sole reason for existance is anti abortion bullshit?
Well, unlike those bands, this is cool. Chock full o' propaganda, yeah. Instead of lyrics, they have little essays on what each song is about. Being fairly down with situationalism, I agree with a lot of what they're saying too. So yes, I do have a bit of a biased double standard in effect here. But also, this just fucking ROCKS! Like, late 60's Mod rock. At times like you can hear MC5, and I can even hear the Hellacopters in some bits, but thankfully no psychedellic bullshit. This is just raw rock and fucking roll with the emphasis on 'fucking' because it's a great record to do it to.
You also get the impression from this CD that these guys would totally rock live. As with his work in Refused, Denis Lyxsen is the qunitessential frontman. Politcally outspoken, but not preachy and annoying. This is really harsh, but I'd hate to see what this band would be like if they were Americans. Probably boysetsfire. Heh. Instead, you get politics, rock and a nice aesthetic all mixed up together and nicely balanced. You also get some nice instrument sounds (warm bass, killer wah tone on 'smash it up'), and one damn cutie of a keyboard player.
'Survival Sickness' seems to be a bit more focused and realised than t[I]NC's earlier stuff. About the only filler moment here is the instrumental song. And they do lose a few points for that. But if Ally's dad was a band, it would be these guys, playing the soundtrack to the Paris riots in 68.
Check these guys out, not just for the rock with a capital R - O - C - K, but coz they have some interesting things to say.
12 songs, CD.