Political punk rockers Anti-Flag have released a limited edition EP called A Benefit For Victims of Violent Crime. The EP contains five new tracks and five live tracks that were recorded at Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh, PA last April. The CD has been released under Anti-Flag’s own label A-F Records.
The Pittsburgh, PA crew has been together since 1988 and is one of the stand out punk acts in the music scene today. This is a band out there that encourages kids to get involved. The music they have created and opinions they speak have gotten many kids to vote and believe in freedom of choice. They have no shame in speaking their mind. They oppose the choices the government has been making and opposes war.
A lot of people who do not know what Anti-Flag is all about think they are a band of hate. The name alone scares parents who are not involved with their children who sport Anti-Flag hoodies. Others think of the band as sellouts and fake. Believe what you must, this band expresses their views musically and I think they do a fine job in doing so.
To the closed minded, Anti-Flag is not anti-American. They are for America but do not necessarily agree with the way it is running. Ask them what they think about our government and get ready for a long conversation. They have their own views and opinions on the president and make it very clear at their live concerts. This is not anything new though, remember Woodstock?
This release is a little more personal to the band members especially bassist Chris #2.
This past February while the band was on tour in Canada they received a phone call that would change their lives forever. Chris #2’s sister and her boyfriend were murdered. She left behind two children. This uncalled-for violent crime resulted in Anti-Flag putting together this EP in hopes that it would help anyone else who has gone through such a misfortune and get more people involved to help stop violent crimes.
Article comments
1 - Bruiser
Right at the beginning of "No Borders, No Nations," the crowd goes crazy as "so if George Bush wants to end terrorism he should go ahead and kill himself" is announced.
Well isn't that just great - a record to benefit victims of violent crime that advocates suicide. Ain't those Hot Topic punks soooo cute?