Anti Flag Review

Last night was the big "War Sucks, Let's Party Tour" from mine and your favorite political activists- Anti Flag.

The night started off as every concert night starts off... looking for something to wear, something you don't mind getting possibly stretched, ripped or sweaty, and it has to make a statement. So, I made a shirt. I cut up a shirt that no longer fit me and glued it onto to another shirt (Patch Attach is awesome if you don't know how to sew, but know how to use an iron).

After my shirt was done, it was time to head out. My friend Matt picked me up and as soon as we were about a mile away from my house I realized I left my money there, oh well.

We got to downtown Buffalo and found a parking spot pretty fast (only $2 too what a deal). It was butt cold out so we high tailed it to the Ballroom, on our way there we were approached by some guy with turret's, and he of course wanted money, so it was a good thing I left my money at home, we ignored him and went in.

The place was packed, but not sold out. On stage a six man group called "Set Your Goals" was up- they sucked. I think their drummer was using a drum by number set, horrible. The general reaction from the crowd after their set was the same.

Next, a band called "Big D and the kids Table"took the stage. This Ska band had some what of a Rastafarian influence, like "The Mighty Bosstones" and "Bob Marley" meshed together, but with more cussing. The were pretty good, of all the openers they had the crowd the most amped.

The final opening act was a Canadian band called "Alexisonfire" Seeing how half of the people in attendance were from the North they got a huge 50% reaction. The scantily clad lead singer was annoying as sin, telling everyone that they were "the best band and fuck you, I'll fight you if you hate us." I thought they were kind of cheesy with there melodies, a pretty typical hardcore band, not really my thing.

The lights dimmed one more time and it was time for RCA's newest recording act Anti Flag to take the stage, you could tell by the anti war propaganda. I will say this, I really enjoy Anti flag's music, I think their lyrics speak for themselves, but they don't apparently. Every 4 songs or so, the lights would turn off and over the loud speaker came propaganda. But other than that, they rocked the place, I managed to get to about the third row of people. They played new songs from "For blood and empire" and "The Terror state," not too much older stuff though, which is ok with me, because this is a band whose new stuff is better than their old.

The mix of people at the show was pretty funny. I always find it funny to see the different people who show up to punk shows, you've got some people who just broke open their punk rock starter kits, and other's who still think it's 1981. It really makes the show eclectic though, so thanks to those people for showing up.

I always get a kick out of the intermission music too. I heard a classic song "Fuck the Police" by NWA, and kids were actually booing this. As far as revolutionary songs go, that has to be the one that comes to mind. NWA should be respected for what they did. It's like booing the Sex Pistols or the Ramones, granted I don't really like the Sex Pistols, but I would never boo them. And by the way who boos intermission music?

Anyway, the show was a pretty good time, Anti Flag gets a 3 out of 5, points off for propaganda, sorry boys.

Respect,

Mr. Greg

Song of the moment "Sunday Warning" Motion city Soundtrack