Disarming Violence
Various Artists
Fastmusic
New York label/Internet punk distro Fastmusic put together this benefit for the Pax Organization, to fight gun violence. Other than opener Divits’ cover of Boomtown Rats “I Don’t Like Mondays” (unfortunately omitting the falsetto “Tell me why?” backing vocal that helps make the song) and closer Youth Brigade’s “Guns Are For•,” generally speaking, the music takes a front seat to any overt political lyrical statement. Other than Blanks 77 and NOFX once again proving their mediocrity, this is a great comp of some great punk bands, many of whom you’ve heard (ALL, Agnostic Front, Dag Nasty, Ann Beretta, A New Found Glory) and some who you may not , but surely will (Pinhead Circus, Dynamite Boy, Day 19), including my fave track’s contributor, Luckie Strike. CD also includes photos, unreleased MP3s, and unreleased video form Saves the Day.
Fastmusic, 401 Broadway, Ste. 2011, New York City, NY 10013, http://www.paxusa.com, http://www.disarmingviolence.com