Anti-Flag Album: “Underground Network”

This album is by far the best release from Anti-Flag in my eyes. It's unrelenting, yet melodic, musically, while also offering several sobering examples of political and social injustices.

Although Anti-Flag have been known for holding strong political convictions, none of their albums seem to be as convincing as this one. Where albums such as "Die for the Government" and the more recent "The Terror State" seem juvenile lyrically and ideally, this album presents it's view of pro-political activism and actually takes the time to back up their ideas. Several of the topics covered are injustice towards the youth and the inevitable frustration and alienation of the victims of such cases ("Angry, Young and Poor"), media cover-ups and fudging of facts ("Underground Network"), Being under the control of oppressive forces simply because they have money to throw around ("Daddy Warbux"), The horrible incidents involving Native Americans and other minorities which have been shamelessly exploited by a country which supposedly stands for freedom and justice for all ("Stars and Stripes"). The only sore thumb in the whole collection of great songs is "Spaz's House Destruction Party" which is kind of a throw back to early Anti-Flag "scene-songs" and is a frivilous party song that doesn't hold very well to the theme of the album.

One of the main points I think you can find in this record is questioning the ideals of those who try to push their's upon you, and thinking for yourself instead of blindly following any one sided party of the matter. However you have to ask yourself, how can this band consider themselves as being this open minded creative force when, in their song "This Machine Kills Facists", they're bantering about someone expressing conservative beliefs musically?

Left-wing, Right-wing, whatever; This is a great album worth checking out if you want to see a slightly different perspective on the state of the country we live in.

Well, maybe. I enjoy both records emensly. Now, right away you should be considering this record, common, im comparing a record to the best Propagandhi record ever and probably the most well written and best musicianship filled punk record ever. The new Anti-Flag is nothing short of amazing. I own all of Anti-Flags records to date and this is by far the best, but thats not to say that all of their records are amazing. If they have one record that i'm a little less fond of than the rest it would be A New Kind Of Army, but only because the vocals are hard to understand on that one. Underground Netword is incredably catchy and the lyrical content is Anti-Flags best to date. EVERY song of this cd is very good. There is not one I do not listen to. Even Todays Empires has 1 song I don't like (ego fum papa) buts thats just because of the long, tedious intro. Buy this cd, if your new the band, this is the place to start. If you have any of there other cds and for some reason didn't like them. I would still highly recommend checking this one out, its one of the best records i'v ever heard in my life.

Underground Network is the first album released on Fat Wreck Cords by Anti-Flag. This change in label has bought a fairly different sound to the band, but the message stays the same, although not as hardcore as their first release, Die For Your Government. It is very political and takes on many issues that plague society. Fans from their earlier works will appreciate the albums raw speed and power. This cd is great to bang your head too, or just pump you up. The bass sounds great, and the guitar is equally amazing. Even if you didn't like Anti-Flag's first few albums, if you like any kind of punk, you need this album. Many songs are fast enough to please the hardcore fans, but are also innovative and fun to listen to. My favorite songs from this album are, Watch the Right, Spaz's House Destruction Party and Panama Deception. I highly recommend this albumv for any punker.

Many people are complaining about Anti-Flag switching labels. However I believe this was a smart move by the band. The quality of the new album is a lot better than their previous attempts. However along with this they haven't sold out in the least. Their message is still the same. Even if you don't like their style of music, then at least read the lyrics because they will open your eyes to the way things are here in the "land of the free." Anyway this is a fantastic album that is short and sweet and can be listened to again and again. It is at times funny (Spaz's House Destruction Party), sometimes very serious (Stars & Stripes) but usually somewhere in between. But its definitely great punk music with a message thats a lot more intelligent than most of the stuff out there. Any punk fan will enjoy this great CD. Pittsburgh Punk Rock Forever!!!

It seems like Anti-flag just keeps getting better and better and Underground Network is no exception. With songs like, "Underground Network," and "Spaz's house destruction party," this is one of the best punk albums out there. It also has excellent liner notes about the songs and the corruption of the U.S.A.. Now, if these guys aren't punk, than I don't know who is.