DC Fallout – Objector

“It’s not my flag, that red white and blue / it doesn’t stand for me, and it doesn’t stand for you / whether you agree or not, simply has no affect upon the truth.”  The opening line of DC Fallout’s sophomore full length, Objector, draws a firmer line in the sand than any political statement previously issued by the Los Angeles quartet.  Such a radical stance on anti-American governance has typically been reserved for Anti-Flag’s early material, but not here. 

The condemnation of aggressive American foreign and domestic policy runs deep, driven by a levelheaded mindset akin to Bad Religion’s voice of reason.  “We Want You” blasts forth from the speakers as a fast-paced melodic rally cry.  With controlled background “woahs” smoothing over the angered voice of front man Scott Hallquist, the chorus message becomes clear: “Calling all bands, we’re calling those who have a sense of something greater than me or than you / there’s work to do! To the vans!  The cynics are welcome too! / The future shines brighter when it’s me and you.”  The insight of subsequent lines like “end couch bred apathy, because transparency kills subjectivity,” offers insight to the intellect fueling such beliefs.  DC Fallout isn’t just another political band following the teachings of radicals standing at the anti-authoritarian pulpit – they are the preachers, writing political scripture with each passing word.

Topics range from middle class sedation (“White Collar Crisis”), American gun culture (“Keep Calm And Carry On”), difference (“99 Problems (And Intolerance Is One)”) and the moral ground of taking a life as a soldier (“Uniform Response”).  “Generation S.O.S.” expands from the specific to the universal, tackling subjects of poverty and struggle by making a connection to the controversially evolving “lost generation” that has sparked debate amongst many twenty-somethings since the global economic downturn.  “This is not a revolution, this is an S.O.S.” declares Hallquist, leading into his activist plea to “be the generation to rise above the rest.”  It’s energizing, sincere and raises the stakes with a killer solo at the tail end of the track.

Having started out in the realm of melodic skate punk, DC Fallout has since joined the ranks of melodic technical punk think tanks Propagandhi or Strung Out.  On the band’s Serfs Up EP, DC Fallout really polished and tightened up their sound; Objector is no different, and brings this level of refinement to a full-length medium.  Razor sharp chords slash through “We Want You” with technical highs punctuating and enhancing chorus and verse.  Meanwhile, the darker, more hardline riffs strengthen the critical intent of songs like “Prometheus Returns.” 

Once again, DC Fallout has provided one of the year’s most inspirational pieces of political punk.  Objector walks the walk and talks the talk, offering no apologies for its radical condemnations of American power structures.  Combined with an assertive soundtrack, DC Fallout’s passionate ideologies will surely ignite a flame within likeminded listeners and inspire fans to view daily lies through a critical lens.