Anti-Flag - The Bright Lights of America
Record Label: RCA
Release Date: April 1, 2008
Never a band to mince words when it comes to their political standpoints, Anti-Flag offer up yet another healthy dose of discontent with The Bright Lights of America, their recently released follow-up to their 2006 full length, For Blood and Empire. And while For Blood and Empire saw the band maturing past their grittier beginnings, The Bright Lights of America finds them expanding even further. Opening with "Good and Ready," a song that blends the band's melodic punk roots with a newfound sense of experimentation, the album throws a curveball right away with the implementation of a children's choir and timpani towards the end of the track. The change is appreciated, but it may be a bit too much for even the most dedicated fan to stomach at first. Fortunately, the album returns to familiar territory immediately afterward in the title track. The song is instantly catchy and boasts a trademark Anti-Flag chorus that finds frontman Justin Sane lamenting the not-so-sunny-side of a life spent amongst "The bright lights of America / Where they sell souls." From here on out, the album strays into more experimental territory, albeit sometimes falling a bit flat in it's grandiose scope, one such example being "If You Wanna Steal." With it's dance-rock-esque flavor, it is likely to be skipped over upon repeated listens.
However, the album definitely has it's strong points, and they more than make up for the weaker. "The Modern Rome Burning" is a minor-key dirge, that, like much of the band's material, built for a sing-along, while "We Are the Lost" is built on a tight, almost paranoid rhythm that explodes into yet another memorable chorus that displays the the band's "gang vocal" abilities. "Go West" is one of the absolute best offerings on The Bright Lights of America, a song that witnesses more experimentation. But rather than rely on the use of such ostentatious instruments as bells or timpani, a simple, folksy harmonica melody is employed over a song which safely qualifies as classic Anti-Flag - a sign that while some of Anti-Flag's experimentation on the album does come up a bit short, they are capable of blending their trademark sound and newer musical aspirations quite successfully. Overall, there aren't really any absolutely terrible songs on the album, although the weakest cut here would have to be "No Warning." Its intentions are good, but aside from having a killer chorus, the song seems somewhat directionless, especially at three minutes long.
This brings me to my next point. One of the things Anti-Flag they are known for is their short and sweet, to-the-point songs. While in the past Anti-Flag followed this formula, they seem to abandon it altogether here. With the shortest song on The Bright Lights of America clocking in at three minutes, and the longest at five, the album does lag at times. Even the better songs here might not be able to hold some listeners' interests all the way through at first, although with repeated listens, the lengthiness does sink in a bit. So while one may become used to a 4:35 Anti-Flag song, you might find yourself wishing for one of the 1+ minute punk ragers the band used to be known for. That being said, it does work in some cases ("Go West," "The Smartest Bomb"), but all in all, there are songs that could've stood to be shortened. ("No Warning," "Shadow of the Dead"). Perhaps the most successful of all the more experimental tracks here is the bonus song, "Tar and Sagebrush." An unapologetically folk number, it's not something most people would expect to find on an Anti-Flag album. Based for the most part around an acoustic guitar and banjo, the song delivers in full, and doesn't sound tacky or forced in the least. It doesn't hurt that the song does a good job of closing out the album, either.
One final point I'd like to bring up about this album is the lyrics. Anti-Flag have never really been known for being able to write the best of phrases, although their hearts, and their message are in the right place. And although the overall mood of The Bright Lights of America isn't quite as in-your-face as For Blood and Empire or 2003's The Terror State, their message is still rather obvious, but one can't fault them for so strongly voicing their beliefs, especially when they've made a career out of doing just that. Also, fans might be surprised to see that the CD booklet is completely devoid of any sort of information, or essays on the song's topics, something the band has championed in the past. Instead, there is only a fold-out booklet with the lyrics printed on one side, and a cut-out image of the suited eagle on the front cover on the other.
The Bright Lights of America is likely to win Anti-Flag some new fans, but at the same time, it's also likely to alienate a few with it's decidedly epic breadth. Will it please the casual fan? It's tough to say. In the end, where this album fits in Anti-Flag's catalog is up to you.
Nice review. Although I have to say that I actually like "No Warning" - it does lag a bit but I like the overall tone. I agree on pretty much everything else though. Good job, Chris!
Nice review. Although I have to say that I actually like "No Warning" - it does lag a bit but I like the overall tone. I agree on pretty much everything else though. Good job, Chris!
thank you!
yeah, personal tastem, I guess. but that's cool you agree with pretty much everything else.
This album is terrible and this band has become a joke.
Originally Posted by SteveLikesMusic
This album is fantastic and this band has become better with age.
haha, two conflicting opinions right next to each other. nice.
It definitely is a polarizing album though, response so far seems to be (for the most part), either love or hate for it. I've only seen a few "on the fence" opinions.
Another fine review, homeskillet. It really is a polarizing album due to the fact it really isn't quite nearly as "punk rock" as their other stuff. I was a little surprised at how punk-lite it is, but I don't think it's such a bad disc. At least they have important things they feel like saying, just ... not as angry I suppose.
Originally Posted by Scott Weber
This album is terrible and this band has become a joke.
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