I’ve always said the best punk rock music comes out when Republicans are in office. There’s just something about conservatism that breeds amazingly angry protest music. Sadly, when the Democrats are in power, that’s not always the case. Sure, there are little blips here and there (mostly from Anti-Flag), but for the most part, angry punk rock seems to go on autopilot if the opposing party isn’t in office.
It’s frustrating to say the least, which is why Dissdente’s long-awaited full-length is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t matter who’s in office, there’s plenty to rally against. If you weren’t completely sure which side of the political spectrum Dissidente falls on, the title of the album should give you a pretty good indication. At its core, The War on Two Fronts is a protest album against the trappings of the two-party system. As a frustrated independent, it was the album I needed to hear right now.
The album starts off with “45,” a hardcore punk thrasher taking aim at our former president. It immediately put me in the mind of Propagandhi at their best. While the music is heavy, there’s a lovely musicality to what they’re doing. The guitar work is so intricate, and the bass playing is some of the best I’ve heard in years. When you listen to this album, do yourself a favor and listen to it with a pair of good headphones. It enhanced my enjoyment ten fold.
While Dissidente is technically billed as a skacore band, it wouldn’t be fair to pigeon-hole them like that.
Sure, there’s some great ska core songs on this album (I’m looking at you “Corvid” and “Amputee”), but really, there’s more core than ska here. Aside from Propagandhi, I’m also reminded of bands like Paint It Black, ETID, Only Crime, Fucked Up, Sick of it All, and Strung Out. On the ska side of things, Grey Matter, Joystick, The Best of The Worst, Voodoo Glow Skulls, and The Flaming Tsunamis will come to mind after listening to Dissidente.
There’s definitely more of a hardcore, metal, and thrash backbone to just about every song on the album. They’re able to blend ska with all of these different styles with intricacy and ease. It’s just not fair how good they are. I’m in awe of what they pull off in each song.
The War on Two Fronts is a strong case of “good things come to those who wait”. The album was years in the making, and originally planned to come out a year after the band’s debut EP. Now that it’s out though, it’s a rallying cry for unity. It’s a plea for solidarity in the battle of the haves and have nots. It takes aim at capitalism, corrupt politicians, and religious hypocrisy.
Dissidente doesn’t pull any punches with this album, and it’s just so damn invigorating to hear their passion bleed out from each song. This album is just what some of us need to free them from the Stockholm Syndrome they’re experiencing believe the Two Party System is what’s best for the regular people in this country. If you’re not fired up and frothing for change after listening to this album, then you may just be dead inside.