Static Friction Reveal New Single & Video “The Balance” Ahead Of US Tour Dates
Boston, MA melodic punk band Static Friction have released their brand new single, The Balance, this is accompanied by the band's…
Self Titled - No Time Records
Santa Ana, California technical punk revivalists Apathy Cycle have been around the block a few times over the past decade, but between members coming and going and a few small tours, the band only ever released a couple of EPs. Subsequently, they’ve kept a low profile, being most active on the road and dabbling in writing during the time in between. But that’s all about to change with the advent of the band’s self titled full length. Consisting of twelve tightly produced, technically aggressive doses of socially astute political punk, the band has finally released its manifesto to the world.
Listeners already acquainted with bands like Propagandhi, Pears, Strike Anywhere, Good Riddance, and Belvedere will feel right at home with the rocketing tempo, razor sharp metal-tinged riffs, and sweeping harmonic gang vocals. Songs like “Rise” lay down a fast paced foundation of steady skate-punk inspired drumming before launching into fast, relentless riffs that cycle through various speeds across chorus, verse and bridge. The message is one of resistance, living life with your eyes wide open and willingness to act on injustice. “Forgotten Genocide” reinforces such a sentiment in lines like “If we don’t stay alert, history’s tragic cycle will repeat,” with reference to the prejudiced treatment and scapegoating of minorities in America. The track punctuates each bout of combative speed with brief upstrokes much like Anti-Flag routinely toys with once or twice per album. Plenty of anthemic bursts erupt from the choruses of tracks like “I Objectify” and “Wanderlust” in ruthless defiance. Others like “Narcissists Anonymous” and “Trigger Warning” push the band’s tempo vigorously, keeping the beat raw and unhinged.
Apathy Cycle wrote the the track “Premium Healthscare” three years before the current COVID-19 crisis, yet they have just released it as the lead single on their self titled full length. The opening line is eerily prophetic in presenting an array of early morning symptoms in the line, “Woke up this morning with a burning cough now / Head pounding, progressive infection,” followed by the haunting question, “Can’t someone tell me what’s wrong with me?” While the song’s central message is one about affordable access to healthcare, the idea of the care-gap between America’s rich and poor rings true today as particular communities are pummelled with Coronavirus infections.
After years in the works, Apathy Cycle finally offers a defining self-titled full length that clearly captures their mission for social justice and melodic technical punk. If you’re a fan of any of the major influences fuelling Apathy Cycle, you’ll know exactly what to expect: a grade A example of political punk wrapped in a sweaty blanket of instrumental speed and fervour. Apathy Cycle’s self titled debut is a strong example of giving fans exactly what they ask for.