Propagandhi – Potemkin City Limits

Propagandhi – Potemkin City Limits / 2005 Fat Wreck / 12 Tracks / http://www.propagandhi.com / http://www.fatwreck.com / Reviewed 07 February 2006

The back and forth of Propagandhi during “A Speculative Fiction” really shows a maturation of two distinct styles of music; an emotive type of rock and the straight-forward type of rock. These styles are deftly maneuvered into a cohesive sound by Glen’s voice, and “A Speculative Fiction” is a track that has a classic, Bad Religion type of sound while still showing some of the metal/punk fusion that catapulted Sum41 into prevalence a few years ago.

Even if a track like “Cut Into The Earth” may not have the pit-worthy speed of other tracks on “Potempkin City Limits”, there is nonetheless a fury that is present through the insistence of the guitars and the sound of desperation that finds its way through Glen’s vocals on the track. “Bringer of Greater Things” seems lock stock and barrel comparable to Strike Anywhere’s “Exit English”; the emotive content seems to tie together Anti-Flag’s Justin with Rise Against’s Tim for something ultimately different but with a common referent. A song like “Die Jugend Marschiert” is true, old Propagandhi; this is “Back to the Motor Leagues Part II” with shrill guitars and the always recallable lyrics of Glen. Couple this sound with the presence of a type of “A Speculative Fiction” and one has all the trappings of a solid track that even goes as far as to call forth Bryan Adams in pure disc presence.

Everything that occurs during “Rock For Sustainable Capitalism” is predicated on pure vitriol being spewed from the vocals and instruments on the tracks; this direct approach really is where the band connects most tightly to their listening audience. Even if there is a little Ten Foot Pole influence in this track, the stripped-down sound of Propagandhi during the track will show the band as able to deliver pointed social commentary without just seeming like politics junkies. Not too many bands can be around for twenty years and come out with an album that so successfully talks to the situation of 2005 while still relying on a number of the styles that propelled Propagandhi into the spotlight in the first place. There are a number of radio-ready tracks on this disc, but these are not your typical punk fluff. Each of the tracks is so intelligently arranged by the band that individuals will feel as if they have been pulled around like mannequins for the last forty or so minutes.

Top Tracks: Life At Disconnect, A Speculative Fiction

Rating: 7.4/10

[JMcQ]