Anti-Flag – Live And Acoustic In Vienna

Do Anti-Flag really need an introduction? well just in case there’s a few latecomers to the party, they formed in Pennsylvania back in 1988, they are a fiercely independent and political punk band who have released nine full length albums, as well as numerous EP’s, singles, splits and compilation appearances. They are politically left wing and they don’t just talk the talk, they are politically active and support good causes and oppose injustice and inequality, so they also walk the walk. They also established A-F records, which remains an independent outlet for politically motivated bands to gain wider coverage

Live And Acoustic In Vienna does what it says on the sleeve, this is Anti-Flag stripped to the bone, no drums, amps or effects pedals, just two guitars and two voices. I don’t think you can really tame Anti-Flag, their message comes across as well acoustically as it does with a full band, albeit with a massive drop in their usual decibel level. The Press Corpse, which originally appeared on 2006’s from Blood and Empire, and Set Yourself On Fire, from 2015’s American Spring, both stand up well to the minimalist approach on display on this album. The throw a cover of the Ramones The KKK Took My Baby Away, a bonus for me as that’s one of my favourite songs by da brudders, into the six track set and they do this punk classic justice. I found that some of the songs, especially Brandenburg Gate, played in this style almost become rebel country tunes, whilst others, such as Turncoat, retain their punk character and won’t be tamed by being played acoustically. Closing track, This is The End, really benefits from the acoustic interpretation, this gives the song a melancholy feel instead of the defiant style of the original.

This is a fine recording of an intimate and unique recording session and it’s good to hear the songs played completely shorn of distortion, it won’t be a surprise that as a fan of Anti-Flag I prefer the original versions but this album gives you the opportunity to hear them played in a different style. It also has the effect that you appreciate just how well written their songs are, the subtleties that are on display on Live And Acoustic In Vienna are sometimes lost with their full on punk assault. Apart from the fact that this will appeal to anyone who is a fan of Anti-Flag, it’s also an benefit release for Amnesty International so everyone benefits if you buy this, what are you waiting for?

Live And Acoustic In Vienna can be purchased here