Powerful, soulful, and relevant; the 1865 band sing from a viewpoint of post-Civil War, purportedly emancipated, newly freed slaves. A comprehensive reading of America’s colossal failure to uphold these rights will tell you otherwise, fables of the Reconstruction indeed.
Anchored by the potent vocals of Honeychild Coleman soaring above a muscular fusion of rock/hardcore/punk/blues that reminds me of a cross between both I Against I and Quickness-era Bad Brains and the underrated German outfit, Jingo De Lunch, at their peak.
There are some seriously catchy melodic hooks that belie a bittersweet contrast to the horrific subject within: rape, infanticide, lynchings, subjugation, and dehumanization of a people that’s left festering wounds in the ensuing decades.
It's heady subject matter for a “rock” band these days but it is my hope that this album reaches far beyond whatever subcultural ghettos they’ll undoubtedly be put in.
Kudos to old friend Sacha Jenkins (one of 1865’s guitarists) for always blending the mental aspect and visceral vibes into whatever project he does. Music with a message is at an all-time low point these days, as Public Enemy stated back in 1988: “Armageddon has been in effect, go get a late pass”
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Head to Mass Appeal Records to pick up a limited edition colored vinyl version of Don't Tread on We! You can also click here for other streaming and purchasing options.
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