What's Left Of The Political-Punk Scene?

Music and politics have always gone hand-in-hand. And certainly, the punk-rock community has been at the forefront of the confrontation. With bands like Anti-Flag, Rise Against, Bad Religion, Against Me! and Green Day leading the fight today, it seems like the fuse is burning brighter than ever.

But can the efforts of these bands and others resonate with not only fans, but also within the political realm? In other words, is any of this really making a difference?

For the answer to that, you really have to look past the songs and albums. After all, the message is usually clear with many of these political-punks. To see if the bands and the genre of music really are causing a stir, take a look at the little things the bands are doing - working with political groups, attending rallies and generally being outspoken outside of their recordings.

A few months back it seemed like the world was thrown into an upheaval of revolutions and political unrest from the Middle East to the United States. Leading the rush at home were the Wisconsin protests against Governor Scott Walker's decision to place certain monetary restrictions on the state's unions.

This eventually gained national coverage and seemed to have struck a chord within our music scene, as well. Rise Against lead singer and Chicago native Tim McIlrath made an appearance during the rally (taking time out from finishing his band's latest release, Endgame) and joined the protest. Before jumping into a cover of Neil Young's classic, "Ohio", McIlrath was greeted by a chant of "Thank you! Thank you!" from the appreciative crowd.

McIlrath responded by saying, "It's an honor to be here today with so many people who give a shit about the direction of our world and the direction of this city in particular. It's an honor. I'm proud to be here. Thank you for having me."

Don't think this was an isolated event for McIlrath or the scene in general. Even those in bands that don't exhibit a political standing have stepped up to the plate to defend democracy and human rights. Back in 2009, musicians from bands as eclectic as blink-182, Bayside, Motion City Soundtrack and Anberlin took to their Twitter accounts to protest against a reportedly rigged presidential election in Iran.

By throwing a shade of green over their profile pictures (the official color for the democratic movement) the band members made it known that their political viewpoints toward the election corresponded with that of the Iranian people's.

It may have been a small gesture, but when you have thousands, or even millions, of followers on the social networking site, the ideology you project can have a profound influence on people across the globe. Don't forget, the Middle Eastern protests of this year were essentially put together via social networking sites.

These two examples may seem fairly insignificant to the big picture, but the fact of the matter is that things like this are going on everyday in the scene. With the amount of records being put out, the influence of movements like the Take Action Tour and the small hand that independent groups have within the music and political scenes, the message is getting across.

Perhaps it's not the big picture that's worth changing. Maybe it's just reaching common people that has the punk-rock community so grounded in the political atmosphere. Changing one life can go a long way, and what better way to do it than through music with a message?

**Backstage Press would like to thank our correspondent D.L. for suggesting this topic**

Rise Against - Endgame Review

Rise Against have always been known for their outspoken demeanor and progressive beliefs. So when it came time to release Endgame, the band's sixth studio album, fans and critics alike expected a record that would bring to the table both the band's musical talent and political message.

And Rise Against do not disappoint. Endgame stands as probably their most powerful record to date.

Musically, the album is driven by distorted guitars and a deep, but always present, bass. In other words, Endgame sounds exactly like the music Rise Against fans are used to. The Chicago outfit's deep hardcore roots naturally shine through, but the record never loses its catchiness.

The album is jam packed with hooks throughout the many soaring choruses. Endgame never takes the time to slow down. Every song has a fast paced, in-your-face, type of rhythm to it. On a whole, the record rounds out nicely between the screams and melodies.

But perhaps the most important and driving factor of Endgame isn't exactly the music, but rather the lyrical content. Making their mark as one of the scene's leading politically influenced bands, it was a given that Rise Against would once again put out a record that challenges government ideals and the like.

But Endgame doesn't just take the path of changing a political ideology. The record is more of a cry for social change in the United States. While the track listing includes titles like, "Survivor Guilt" and "Architects" that undoubtedly take a political stance, it's the other tracks that bring to light some of the darkest and most damning qualities present in America today.

Take for instance "Make It Stop (September's Children)" - a scathing attack on the bullying and teen suicide stories of 2010. Behind a chorus of children, lead singer Tim McIlrath recants the names and ages of a few teens who took their own lives last year due to bullying.

The record's first single, "Help Is On The Way", walks the listener through many of the disasters that have plagued the southeastern region of the US in recent years, including the Gulf oil spill and New Orleans Katrina disaster. In a way, the track acts as a retelling of the stories through the eyes of those with firsthand accounts.

The integrity of this record really does lie within its message. Each one of the 12 tracks tackles another issue with enough energy and emotion to really get you thinking. Endgame is a mosaic of sorts - each individual song representing its own social ill, but when taken as a whole, presents itself as a glaring view of a much bigger problem.

But, as with any Rise Against record, a glimmer of hope remains present. There's always a sense that better days are ahead if a little hard work is put in to correcting our problems. Overall, Endgame is as punk-rock as punk-rock gets. Fast, loud and in-your-face with a message, Rise Against have perfected their craft with this release.

Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

Well, it's 2011 and the economy still sucks, Christopher Drew is still making music and Steve Carell is leaving "The Office," but it's not all bad. The new year is bringing plenty of fresh tunes to get stoked on. Wanna know the best? Then keep reading and check out Backstage Press' Most Anticipated Albums of 2011.

Bayside - Killing Time

Release: February 22nd

Bayside spent most of 2010 recording Killing Time, their fifth studio album. Having already released two singles, including "Sick, Sick, Sick" and "Already Gone" it's clear that the Long Island outfit are showing maturity in their sound. The songs are a natural progression from 2008's Shudder, but bring back the raw aggression and punk feel from their early work. This will certainly be the "can't miss" record of 2011.

Yellowcard - When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes

Release: March 22nd

It's been almost four years since we heard last heard from the Florida pop-rockers. But Yellowcard are back, and armed with a new record for your listening pleasure. When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes is creating quite a buzz online so far. And with the release of the album's first single, "For You, And Your Denial", Yellowcard are starting their climb to the top again. Look for this record to sell well this year.

D.R.U.G.S. - Abigail (Will Be Born With Four Friendly Eyes) **

Release : February 22nd

Craig Owens' newest supergroup are poised to be the reigning post-hardcore champs of 2011 with the release of their debut album. In the past few months, D.R.U.G.S. have released three songs off the record - "Sex Life", "If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is" and "Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm". Each is seemingly as catchy as the next, and has led to an outpouring of support from fans nationwide. Plus, being a band comprised of members from other notable scene acts, it will be great to see whether or not this record holds up to the previous releases of each member.

Handguns - Don't Bite Your Tongue

Release: February 22nd

The Mid-Atlantic pop-punk quartet will be putting out their new EP, Don't Bite Your Tongue, on Pure Noise Records this year. The seven-song recording is their answer to 2010's Anywhere But Home - an album packed with as much honesty as you'd expect from The Wonder Years, and as memorable as the early work of The Starting Line. Handguns have released their first single off Don't Bite, "Scream Goodbye", which continues in ABH's footsteps of upbeat lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. If you miss when pop-punk was pop-punk, you're going to want to grab this record.

Rise Against - Endgame

Release: March 15th

Since we last heard from them on their 2010 DVD, Another Station, Another Mile, Chicago punks, Rise Against, have been hard at work on their sixth full-length album, Endgame. Recorded at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, the band invested in the help of Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore for producing efforts. Having released the song, "Help Is On The Way", it's clear that the band have not left their roots. The song, as it's anticipated the rest of the album will be, is politically charged and driven by issues of humanity. This record will not disappoint loyal fans, and is sure to turn a few new heads.

Taking Back Sunday - TBA

Release: TBA

Having just finished recording in December, Taking Back Sunday are putting the finishing touches on what will be their first release since 2009's New Again. They've gone back to the Tell All Your Friends-era band lineup, leading many to speculate that 2011's record will harken back to classic TBS both lyrically and musically. Late last year, TBS released a completed song with the working title, "Best Places To Be A Mom". Listen to it here, and check back for more info on the 2011 TBS release.

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A number of other bands will be releasing records or getting back into the studio this year. Check 'em below.

blink-182 - Currently in the studio

The Wonder Years - Currently in the studio; record release slated for summer 2011

The Get Up Kids - New album out 1/25

This Time Next Year - Currently in the studio with Chad Gilbert of NFG

Emery - New album out 3/22

Set Your Goals - Currently in the studio

Vanna - Currently in the studio

Dance Gavin Dance - New album out 3/8

** - No formal name has been given for this record. Various sites list it as Abigail, while others leave it untitled.

Another Station, Another Mile DVD Review

Rise Against recently entered the studio to begin work on their follow up to 2008's Appeal To Reason, but not before giving fans a real introspective into their band. Last week, the Chicago quartet released a documentary DVD entitled, Another Station, Another Mile, which outlines everything from their live show and touring to recording and their daily lives.

The DVD has 14 live songs performed at six different venues across the globe. Footage was taken from their summer 2009 shows at the House of Blues in Boston, Chicago's Lollapalooza, Germany's Area 4 Festival and even an acoustic performance by lead singer Tim McIlrath in a Budapest subway.

Another Station comes packed with an ability to hook the viewer from beginning to end. That's most likely due to the way the footage has been structured. Unlike most every other music DVD, Another Station jumps between one live performance and a few minutes of actual documentary.

That's probably the brilliance of it. One minute you're watching a live rendition of "Survive" at Lollapalooza, and the next you're watching drummer Brandon Barnes shop for vintage cars. It's not just one straight concert with backstage bonus footage like a ton of other music "documentaries" out there.

Besides music and interviews, the DVD is packed with Rise Against describing their local music scenes, a profile on their crew, and of course, a touch of the band's views on politics and animal rights. Everything is summed up nicely.

As far as the actual footage goes, most cuts have been done well. The live footage is clear, covered from a variety of angles and most importantly, left completely unedited.

In fact, the documentary opens with the following statement from Rise Against:

"Since we put together our last DVD, the snowball that is Rise Against is still gathering size and speed. What you hold in your hands is the continuing story of our band, what it means to us, and what it means to people like you. At our request, all the live footage you see in the DVD is completely unedited; meaning we didn't go back and fix or re-do anything. We felt it should stand or fall on its own merit, and be embraced for what it is, which is live music. Who knows, maybe we'll feel differently next year. But for now, the moments are captured raw as we make our way to another station: another mile."

The sound quality remains clear, and because of the unedited nature of the live performances, every vocal inaccuracy and tuning mishap (though few and far between) is represented.

So is this worth your 11 bucks? If you're into Rise Against, even in the slightest, it's a must have. As mentioned, it's one of the few documentaries that's an actual documentary. Plus, it will hold you over until their new record is released in spring 2011. You can't go wrong.