Divided We Fall
Self-Released, 2018
8/10
A very politically/socially aware trio consisting of Punky Balfour (drums), Dylan McGee Jones (guitar), and Graham Czach (bass/vocals), though this album came out in 2018, lyrically it couldn’t be more relevant as the veteran musicians tackle immigration, feminism, and government corruption.
“Hymn To Freedom” starts the listen with a loud and busy display of hard rock swagger in the impressive instrumental, and “Resistance March” follows with powerful vocals from Czach as the music thunders with a heavy quality but still retains melody amid some funk nods, too.
There’s some great cameos to be found here, including Fishbone legend Angelo Moore’s vocals, sax and theremin on the anthemic and adventurous “Red Star”, while “Women In White” benefits greatly from group vocals in the emotive, feminist protest song that touches on the blues. “I Am The Power” then recruits Emily Armstrong’s smooth pipes for a soaring, passionate album highlight that borders on cathartic.
Near the exit, “Scorched Earth” uses both loud and quiet dynamics in the metallic and intense climate that parallels the greatness achieved by fellow Los Angeles residents Rage Against The Machine, the title track finishes the well thought out record with some of the best singing as alt-rock and punk rock collide in intriguing ways.
Considering today’s highly political environment, these guys should have plenty of fodder for a brilliant sophomore album, and their powerful approach that recruits each member’s varied background will likely have it trumping(!) this exceptional debut.
Travels well with: Danko Jones- A Rock Supreme; Dead Sara- Pleasure To Meet You