Uh, what is this?
This is supposed to be the new release from THE OFFENDERS from Berlin?
Yes, that's true, that's Valerio's voice, but the music sounds so different? It sounds more like a band that loves folk punk in the style of The Real Mc Kenzies and the like.
At the latest with their 2019 album “Class of Nations“, the band left the paths of off-beat, ska, and (dirty) reggae with punk influences and turned more towards kick-ass punk rock with street punk influences.
Now the band has apparently discovered folk punk for themselves, and so on this album, the previously unknown Irish instrument bouzouki can also be heard.
Lyrically, not much has changed for the Italians. I would even say the lyrics have become even more political and socially critical. The lyrics describe the current situation and developments in politics and society.
They also have a song called “Hasta la Muerte” about Simeon Cuba Saribia and his last fight alongside Che Guevara. What Che Guevara and his team accomplished back then is still fascinating, and in a way, they created a different, and for many, a better world. Definitely an alternative to the capitalist Western world.
With “The Messenger”, there might soon be a new anthem for demos that will be played by the loud ones, channeling anger and hope.
Similarly, there is “Invisible”, a song that can be understood as a cry for help for abused people.
Every line in every song is bursting with conviction, anger, and power. This trio, which is often sung about and invoked in the left scene, is showcased here by the Italians with brilliance.
However, what I find somewhat lacking is the musical implementation of it all. The songs are super produced, fat, powerful, have melodies, and give Valerio's voice the space it needs. There are well-placed choirs here and there. Yes, everything actually fits, but only actually. It's nice to listen to. It's fun, but it doesn't really kick me. I'm still not sure if the production is too polished or if the songs overall just don't differ that much from each other.
“Orthodoxy of new Radicalism” shows how the band has developed further. If the band continues like this, I’m curious to see what comes next.
The conclusion for this record is that it’s fun, but unfortunately, it doesn’t excite me as much as I would wish it would.
