Propagandhi - Supporting Caste

Band Members
Jord Samolesky
Chris Hannah
Todd Kowalski
David Guillas

Proagandhi.com
Myspace.com/Propagandhi



Tracklisting
1. Night Letters
2. Supporting Caste
3. Tertium Non Datur
4. Dear Coach's Corner
5. This Is Your Life
6. Human(e) Meat (The Flensing of Sandor Katz)
7. Potemkin City Limits
8. The Funeral Procession
9. Without Love
10. Incalculable Effects
11. The Banger's Embrace
12. Last Will and Testament


Before even listening to Propagandhi's latest effort, 'Supporting Caste,' the artwork sticks out as a separate entity. The fresco-style cover depicts a gathering of people from distinct time periods, with groups ranging from Native Americans to mythical beings. As the booklet progresses, the band adamantly tells its listeners to read certain works and view certain films, once again representing a cross section of culture.

This turns out to be the theme of the album as well. The band presumably sticks to its dark punk roots when the first track, 'Night Letters' starts spinning, but this sentiment soon shifts gears. 'Supporting Caste' holds true to the Canadian band's calling-card drumming riffs—until it doesn't. The song breaks apart towards the end, focusing more on the almost a capella vocals that depict a more indie vibe. Lyrically, the song seems to be about breaking free of a mold while a loved one stays within it — who knows if the random burst of gentle vocals is purposeful because of the thematic nature of the lyrics.

The album continues to bounce through genres as it progresses. 'This is Your Life' travels back to the birth of punk, stretching the bounds of modern chords and instead bringing in elements of Black Flag or Operation Ivy.

The album is a solid effort with a variety of new elements. It is, however, hard to pinpoint into one genre or audience. In the long run, this is sure to expand the band's popularity.


Review by Laila Hanson


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