Agnostic Front

Something’s Gotta Give (Epitaph)
by Scott Hefflon

They rock, duh. Agnostic Front deserve to be called seminal hardcore. If hardcore sounded more like this and less like bad metal, perhaps people over the age of 16 could listen to it without thinking it cute but annoying. Something’s Gotta Give‘s got plenty of group shouts, sentiments ’bout unity (and this time you believe it), and more Oi! than most bands can muster. While it ain’t quite Victim in Pain, it’s closer than anything that’s come out in fuckin’ years. Produced by “F.A.T.” Billy Milano (S.O.D., M.O.D.), every guitar riff slams like a K.O. blow, but not like the gaudy-zillas of Pantera and their ilk. With guest appearances by members of Rancid and Madball (among others, probably), not to mention the cover of “Crucified” by Iron Cross which has always been a high point of their shows, this is a must-get for hardcore kids, punk kids, and anyone who’s ever been either. Something’s Gotta Give is as good as all the A.F. vinyl and fourth generation tapes us old timers’ll never lend you irresponsible kids, but now you can own it on CD. Thanks, Epitaph, for bringin’ it back.
(2798 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026)