One thing that is almost definite about political punk albums is the lyrics are either good or bad, there is no in between. That's where this disc shines, through the lyrics. They aren't deep and poetic, they are simple and plain. Yet they convey so much depth through the simplicity of things. Written about every day life, the troubles and the problems with our society, they are written from an average joe's perspective and not from a high and mighty "listen-to-what-I-say-because-I'm-in-a-band" view.

But beyond the lyrics, they get caught up in the generic garage-punk sound. Play loud and fast, bash the drums and slam on the guitars, and hope something good comes out. A few decent hooks are sprinkled in, but they drown out themselves between a band that is on the verge of musical-ingenuity and a band that is just kids practicing having fun.

If it weren't for the lyrics, I wouldn't have kept listening to it, but after listening to the disc a few times they start to grow on you. Even though the music isn't the best, it's easy to tolerate it with plain words provoking thought behind every mushy guitar. I'll give this disc a B-.

Criminals, The: Burning Flesh and Broken Fingers

Crimson Glory: Astronomica

[Issue Eleven // August 1998]