Caught in the Carousel

The Casualties

We Are All We Have
SideOneDummy

The Casualties

After 19 years, what elixir does a band use that will allow them to crank out energetic, urgent music? If there are bands out there asking this question—young or established—I would recommend that they listen to We Are All We Have, the latest release from NYC's The Casualties. For those of you new to the game, this is street punk 101 and it will burn a hole in your turntable, cd player, or better yet—your ears! It's fast, furious and brilliant!

I've been a fan of The Casualties since 1997's ForThe Punx and you should be, too. Rarely does a band display the ability to accurately translate what happens in a studio to the stage. The Casualties are one of those exceptions. The opener "Carry On The Flag" starts with that marvelous guitar feedback build and lets you know that you had better be buckled up. Throughout the album they'll play with you, as is evident in the intro to "Lonely On The Streets Tonight—Jersey City" when they open with strains of U2's "I Will Follow." The closer, "Rockers Reggae" slows things down to an amazing reggae beat (giving the drummer a break, eh?). The music is riled and incensed and the pace is ridiculously immediate. All of which support the chorus-like chants, blistering guitar and drum, and vocals—which are the Motörhead's/Lemmy of Punk! This is not screaming to get over the top of the PA when playing live, nor is it to cover the fact that you just can't sing. This is passion about ones' craft. This is carrying the flag that was first waved in NYC so many years ago when no one knew what CBGB's was. This is carrying that wonderful punk flag that went across the pond in the mid-70's and inspired some to wear a Mohawk—part or full time.

Too many contemporary radio stations (college and satellite radio included) want us to try on things we've already worn, eaten or listened to. The Casualties aren't unique, but they are reminding us of what we can push individually or as a group.

VIVA!!
3.5/5 OI!'s
OI!, OI!, OI!, O

—Peter Hamm