Artist: Liberteer
Album: Better To Die On Your Feet Than Live On Your Knees
Label: Relapse
Release: 2012
This is not a stereotypical grindcore record.
Anarcho-grind; a relatively accurate description of the
music presented to us by multi-instrumentalist Matthew Widener, but arguably
simplistic to the point of insulting.
The cornerstones of the genre are here, distorted guitars,
shrieked vocals, blast beats, socio-political lyrics. However, Liberteer
introduce of a plethora of instruments previously alien to a genre so closely linked with a specific sound, and dare I say ethos.
Drawing inspiration from classical composition and worldwide
national anthems, Liberteer’s driving distortion and furious blast beats vie
for position with banjo, horns, and martial drumming, creating the most unique
grindcore album that I have ever encountered.
Avoiding the urge to shroud his lyrics in poetic mysticism, Widener
ensures that every syllable of every word is definitive and clear; no room for
misinterpretation of the message he is seeking to deliver.
The sound is huge, almost awe-inspiring. It’s a rallying
call. A soundtrack to march. This is propaganda music. Grass roots anarchism is
the true sense of the term. An ideal of freedom from oppression of state,
religion, perhaps even self.
In spite of the aggression, it’s clear that this evokes optimism,
not self-destructive alienation.
This is not merely some crusty powerviolence types
repeatedly preaching about what is wrong with our society – Widener is
providing the alternative; how to make it better. It’s not going to be easy. And
by the sound of Liberteer; it’s going to be messy.
Ask me again in November - but this could be in contention for my album of the year.
Ask me again in November - but this could be in contention for my album of the year.
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