Music has always been a popular outlet for a generation to express its outrage. Be it Bob Dylan or Bob Marley crooning a plea for peace or Peter, Paul and Mary singing for social change, musicians have expressed their political and social beliefs in song. State Radio is that voice for this generation and Us Against The Crown follows through and gives everything the name implies it will. . . protest music; and what would these times be without songs of rebellion against current social conditions, the hostile state of many nations, and the war in Iraq?
Two years ago, vocalist and guitar player Chad Stokes wanted to create a band that not only had a unique style but an inspiring message. Add Chuck Fay and Brian Sayers, and what you get is State Radio. Their music mixes progressive politics with a combination of rock, punk and reggae.
Of the three influences, reggae is definitely the most prevalent. Drum heavy, with an unmistakable beat, it seems a little odd at first, or maybe I'm just used to my protest songs coming in the form of typical seventies fare. With a few repeat listens however, it really grew on me. And while the songs have a clear message, they stop short of being preachy. Chad Stokes commented on the philosophy of the music,
We write what we feel, and often, I won't deal with songs that are too self-serving. I don't think my stance is any more important than the next guy's, but I do feel that, with State Radio, we have an opportunity to create some awareness and get some change in this country. We need it in a big way.
One such song is "Camilo." The song stands out, and was born during the 2004 elections when Stokes became aware of conscientious objector Staff Sergeant Camilo Mejia. The Florida National Guard member was imprisoned for refusing to return to Iraq. The song is in support of a soldier's right to not fight in a war he doesn't believe in. Even though Mejia was released in 2005, the song is on Us Against the Crown
Article comments
1 - SR fan
Some typos:
Us (not Up) Against the Crown
Chuck Fay (Not Frey)
The Diner Song (Not Dinner Song)
Right Me Up (Not Fight Me Up)
overall great review. i'm glad you actually listened to the cd, unlike some other reviews out there. your reaction was similar to mine; sort of suprised at first, but couldn't stop listening after a second time through.
2 - wheels
awesome review, it does seem like the trend of this album is the it grows on you, I also at first was a little skeptical about it but after my 2nd listen i was sold. Again awesome album and would reccomend it to all.
3 - Connie Phillips
SR fan, thanks for pointing the errors out - all fixed.
4 - Connie Phillips
wheels,
I really did enjoy the CD after two or three listens,it really grew on me.
5 - julian
great review for a great CD. I'm trying to spread the word about state racio here in Argentina. Greetins
6 - Connie Phillips
Thanks Julian, nearly six months later, the CD still stands the test of time.
7 - Spatcher
ever since dispatch broke up, i've been trying to find the second best band out there. i really like chad's singing and sayers rocks the drums, and theres still the voice blend that there was in Dispatch. its a good cd overall(my favorite is Gunship politico), thanks for writing a good review of it, because some quality music has to be spread