Against Me! – White People For Peace
Against Me!, the acclaimed Floridian punk quartet, are back with a predictably political new single taken from their up-coming major label debut, 'New Wave'. Amidst claims of 'selling out', (fellow R13er Tanja sums up my thoughts nicely) Against Me! have chosen to release new single 'White People For Peace' exclusively on 7" vinyl. Whilst the cynics will have a field day, accusing Against Me! of continuing to sell out with capitalist collectables, I'm willing to look past that and focus on the music. And you should too.
'White People For Peace' is somewhat of a sonic optical illusion; it is a protest song about protest songs. An apathetic exploration the futility of protesting war, ("Protest songs to try and stop the soldier's gun/But the battle raged on"), 'White People For Peace' features all the musical characteristics expected of a modern punk anthem: chugging bass, pounding rhythm, incendiary vocals and an intro riff that would make Mike Ness proud. Though somewhat formulaic, the song is typically rousing and it's novel lyrical content offers a welcome alternate viewpoint to consider, becoming the catalyst that elevates the track above the level of just another punk-rock song.
If you can look past the band and focus on their music, 'White People For Peace' is a cracking single, well worth a listen if you can get your hands on it.