The seventh album from punk rock stalwarts The Casualties. Once again, the band teamed up with legendary drummer and producer Bill Stevenson, who also worked on their two previous albums. With We Are All We Have, the band has proven theyre more than capable of keeping things fresh and exciting while still satisfying their diehard fan base. We Are All We Have, though full of their signature bracing, high-octane hardcore punk, also features a few surprises. As drummer Meggers testifies, "[Its] definitely our most diverse album. Theres a reggae song on there, theres our staple Casualties anthem sing-alongs, theres some thrash-metal influence in there, so its all over the place, but still holding on to the true Casualties sound" adding, "I think its what the band needed after six records."
As long as bands like The Casualties exist, then the spirit of punk will never disappear. On the bands seventh record We Are All We Have, their hardcore attack lead by the gruff vocals of Jorge Herrera is running full throttle. There are plenty of anthematic sing a long choruses and enough delivered force at times to blow through your speakers. The reliable constant for The Casualties is that they come off tighter then ever on record and when they crank up their guitars and bust out fierce lyrics - they mean it. One thing that stands out as a more new venture for The Casualties on We Are All We Have, is the dabbling on several tracks with reggae rhythms, that mixes up their sound a bit, but works into the record nicely by splitting up some of its hardcore moments. Ultimately, The Casualties are hardcore punk. Nothing more - nothing less. The extras are nice, but fans love the no frills punk found with the band and it can be located here within every fiery track. Pounders like "Clockwork" and "Carry On The Flag" are just short examples of in your face hammering, that showcases The Casualties veteran status and why you shouldn't look any farther then We Are All We Have to fill your punk rock needs!
(The Fire Note)
After 19 years, what elixir does a band use that will allow them to crank out energetic, urgent music? If there are bands out there asking this question—young or established—I would recommend that they listen to We Are All We Have, the latest release from NYC's The Casualties. For those of you new to the game, this is street punk 101 and it will burn a hole in your turntable, cd player, or better yet—your ears! It's fast, furious and brilliant!
I've been a fan of The Casualties since 1997's ForThe Punx and you should be, too. Rarely does a band display the ability to accurately translate what happens in a studio to the stage. The Casualties are one of those exceptions. The opener "Carry On The Flag" starts with that marvelous guitar feedback build and lets you know that you had better be buckled up. Throughout the album they'll play with you, as is evident in the intro to "Lonely On The Streets Tonight—Jersey City" when they open with strains of U2's "I Will Follow." The closer, "Rockers Reggae" slows things down to an amazing reggae beat (giving the drummer a break, eh?). The music is riled and incensed and the pace is ridiculously immediate. All of which support the chorus-like chants, blistering guitar and drum, and vocals—which are the Motörhead's/Lemmy of Punk! This is not screaming to get over the top of the PA when playing live, nor is it to cover the fact that you just can't sing. This is passion about ones' craft. This is carrying the flag that was first waved in NYC so many years ago when no one knew what CBGB's was. This is carrying that wonderful punk flag that went across the pond in the mid-70's and inspired some to wear a Mohawk—part or full time.
Too many contemporary radio stations (college and satellite radio included) want us to try on things we've already worn, eaten or listened to. The Casualties aren't unique, but they are reminding us of what we can push individually or as a group.
VIVA!!
3.5/5 OI!'s
(Caught On The Carousel)
