ALBUM REVIEW: Fuck These Fuckin Fascists – The Muslims
Punk is a political genre. It’s weird that some people might not agree, but since the beginning of the genre the sound and style of punk has always been against the grain in its music and especially in its lyrics. Whether it’s standing up for equality, or fighting against Thatcher Britain, punk has always fought for what’s right in the world and used that music as its platform to speak on important matters. With that being said, it was interesting to see the reaction punk band THE MUSLIMS provoked after the release of their first single, Fuck These Fuckin Fascists. So much so that they’ve named their upcoming album the same thing. With more and more needing to be said about the current state of the world, does this album fight the good fight as it sets out to do?
Absolutely, at a fantastic rate. From the beginning of the first track, Hands Up, Don’t Shoot, it is evident that this trio are speaking from the heart in every lyric they write and perform in each song. They truly utilise the punk nature to their advantage. Full of energy, passion, and grit in every song, it’s easy to see why the band have gained their following of dedicated fans over the last few years.
The same fight heard on their previous three albums continues here, and even more so in the likes of Hands Up, Don’t Shoot, Illegals, IDGAF, Kill Your Masters, and Live Laugh Lead, each with thorough and poignant lyrics that discuss unfair treatment in the USA. Lyrics like those of Illegals, which state “No one’s illegal but white people”, showcase a truth that many people would like to otherwise forget. It’s also sure to be great to chant along to at shows, giving that chance for listeners to spread not only their music, but also to spread that truth for others to listen in and understand.
The band aren’t without their sense of humour either, as shown in a couple of lyrics as well as the last track, John McCain’s Ghost Sneaks Into The White House And Tea Bags The President. This not only wins the award for best title to a song ever, but is also silly in the best way possible. It keeps up that fantastic energy and style right to the end of the album. Speaking of that style, the instrumentation and musicality of each song is fantastic and worth noting in addition to the lyrics in each song. The different beats and rhythms used in the drumming are always intriguing to hear at the beginning of each track, and help deliver a new feel to each song. Guitar riffs and solos should also be credited, particularly in a song like IDGAF, accentuating the brilliant musicianship already on display and really taking the album to the best it can be.
Overall, this has to be one of the best punk albums created in a long long time. Not only is it a fantastic listen to from start to finish musically, but the lyricism and passion throughout its 12 tracks shows what punk should be; pure rage against the wrongs in this world and speaking out about them. THE MUSLIMS have put together another amazing record. It’s a poignant album that many should take the time to listen to and hear what they have to say about their experiences in life and the world. Musically fantastic, lyrically thoughtful, and with brilliant people behind it, Fuck These Fuckin Fascists is certainly a defining album not just in punk, but in music generally.
Rating: 10/10
Fuck These Fuckin Fascists is set for release on September 24th (digitally) and November 5th (CD/Vinyl) via Epitaph Records.
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