Propagandhi “Supporting Caste” CD

After another lengthy wait, "Supporting Caste" (released by G7 Welcoming Committee and Smallman Records) is the fifth full-length from the still-mighty Propagandhi—a band that I've now been worshipping for literally half my life (and I'm no youngster). I'm certainly not the most "political" dude on the planet, and over the years I've honestly become less and less interested in bands whose messages focus almost entirely on such topics, but things are different with Propagandhi. Still proudly brandishing their "animal-friendly, anti-fascist, gay-positive, pro-feminist" stance and peppering their massive CD booklets with additional thoughts, significant quotes, and recommended reading lists (in addition to their increasingly creative and involved lyrics), this is one of the only bands I've ever encountered that has been able to communicate such information in a manner that's completely serious while also being emotionally wrenching and carrying a sense of humor—and sometimes all at once, if you can imagine that!? Of course, it doesn't hurt that they've also been unloading some of the most kick-ass riffs in the history of life on this planet for over 15 years now.

This is Propagandhi's first album since becoming a four-piece in 2006, but the addition of a second guitar player has done little to alter their sound on record. Much like 2005's "Potemkin City Limits", this is a "grower" that takes a few listens for the complete mastery to fully sink in, as the group's riffing/songwriting continues to grow more technically complex and diverse. From the surprisingly heavy, staccato metal rhythms that kick off opener "Night Letters" to the fucked up slides and discordant phrasings of "Incalculable Effects", there are a number of new surprises amidst the incredible musicianship and catchy-yet-stunningly-intricate songwriting that's come to be expected of the band from day one—but most specifically since taking on the more (self-proclaimed) "progressive thrash" angle eight years ago with "Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes"—but for the most part this is just another logical progression in/outstanding contribution to the Propagandhi discography. I'm not quite as wordy or well-spoken as I was when I wrote about "Potemkin City Limits" four years ago (read: I've gotten lazy), but I still hail Propagandhi as one of the greatest bands ever, and wholly recommend everything they've ever done. "Potemkin City Limits" was the first Propagandhi album I didn't buy on the day of its release, and I'll never make that mistake again (I pre-ordered "Supporting Caste"). Never.

Propagandhi "Supporting Caste"

The funeral procession passed by here today. Confusion and questions left strewn in its wake. But I feel like I knew his pain—a mechanical failure while enduring the norm. Some of us fracture, others simply deform and lose their elasticity, never to return to the shape they were. I wonder which is worse? I try to keep my composure amidst the insanity, resigned to the truth that I will not live to see the dawn of a better day that might wash away the sadness of this age. I try to keep the voices calling me at bay, desperately clinging to any futile act of human decency. The voices love to remind me of my futility. Sitting on my hands hoping anyone else than me will do what should be done, it’s hard to not succumb as they call my name. You gotta keep on truckin' anyways.

Purchase:

G7 Welcoming Committee (CD/LP/mp3)
Amazon.com (CD/mp3)
iTunes (mp3)