Anti-Flag – The Bright Lights of America
Anti Flag album review Vicki Kinnaird 04/08
Punk was at a crossroads when Anti-Flag released their last album, their major label debut For Blood and Empire. The genre had spent the nineties and noughties being watered down into a pop punk hybrid but Anti-Flag’s breakthrough album changed all that. Punk was concerned with politics once more, instead of “I slept with your mom” jokes. Anti-Flag were in their element, as they had been peddling their fiercely political punk rock back when Greenday were still singing about getting stoned.
The Bright Lights of America is Anti-Flag’s follow up to their hugely successful For Blood and Empire, and a lot has changed has changed since its release in 2006. First of all, the world is coming to terms with the fact that after all the campaigning, after all the catchy anti-Bush songs, George W is still Master of the Universe. After the monumental success of American Idiot, Greenday have retreated to the shadows once more and Anti-Flag have weathered some pointed criticism from their usually dedicated fan base. Many fans were angered by Anti-Flag’s decision to sign to a major label, but they’re now two albums in to their major label contract, and the gamble has paid off.
In the past two years, Anti-Flag have survived more than a few catty comments from their real “punk” fans. The tragic death of co-front man Chris Barker’s (aka Chris #2) sister and the charity work that followed have no doubt helped Anti-Flag mature in to a band that is interested in more than just politics.
Album opener “Good and Ready” makes it clear from the outset that this is not Anti-Flag as their fans know and love them. The song opens with an acoustic guitar and has an unmistakeably bouncy punk-pop chorus that’s sure to crack the floors of live venues all over the country. “Good and Ready” also features a choir of children – no, seriously – yet remains as in-your-face as an opening track can be.
Lead single and title track “Bright Lights of America” addresses two important issues teenagers in America, and the world over, seem to face daily: divorce and self harm. It’s the first obvious example of Anti-Flag broadening their horizons and moving away from the politically driven lyrics that fuelled their previous releases. “Bright Lights of America” is unbelievably energetic and fun, with hand claps and a fantastic guitar solo courtesy of co-front man and guitarist Justin Sane and rhythm guitarist Chris Head.
The shocks keep coming throughout the album. “Vices” opens with a gorgeous tinkling piano before morphing into a snarling and at times incredibly personal sing-along anthem. “Vices” features some of the album’s most universal lyrics, and the chorus is simply four repeated statements that soar over the pounding drums with an ease and confidence that is utterly convincing.
Anti-Flag continue to examine the human condition in songs like “We Are Lost”. The lyrics of “We Are Lost” deal with isolation and hopelessness over intricate and twisting guitar work. The dark themes continue throughout the album, coming to a peak in “Shadow of the Dead” which not only features the best opening bass line since Nirvana’s “Come As You Are”, but also includes trumpets and a cello.
Any Anti-Flag fans who worried about their heroes softening should blush with shame when they listen to this album. There are plenty of political statements made throughout the CD – it is an Anti-Flag album, after all. “Smartest Bomb” is a surprisingly melodic frantic and fast paced track about the Armed Forces which features Anti-Flag’s distinctive gang vocals. “The Modern Rome Burning” is like a political punch in the face – it’s intelligent without losing any of its energy or passion.
There’s even a few songs to keep the most dedicated fans happy. “Spit in the Face” is classic Anti-Flag. It’s as raw and messy as its name suggests, a shining example of punk values and defiance with a guitar solo that will leave you breathless.
Bright Lights of America is not only a step forward for Anti-Flag as lyricists, but as musicians as well. With producer Tony Visconti of Morrissey and David Bowie fame at the helm, Anti-Flag do more than push the boundaries of expectation – they completely destroy them. “Go West” is based on a melody led by a distorted harmonica while “Tar and Sagebrush” is an unapologetically country folk track that attacks nationalism with nothing more than sneering lyrics and an acoustic guitar.
Of course, Anti-Flag fans are going to assume a “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” attitude towards Bright Lights Of America. Anti-Flag have built a career on sharing their strong opinions and interests with the world so of course, if their opinions change, if their horizons are broadened then it’s only natural for their music to reflect this. Bright Lights of America is fiercely political but astonishingly personal. The explosive lyrics, blistering guitar work and blind conviction of the album, combined with a defiant punk swagger ensure that Bright Lights of America, like the members of Anti-Flag themselves, remains a force to be reckoned with.
