The Casualties--Under Attack

Screamo has always seemed a sad joke. For one reason or another, even though it takes its own special kind of talent, screaming constantly feels like a cheap way to avoid having a decent vocalist. Given that, enter The Casualties. Punk-revivalists from the larger-than-life hair to the metal-studded leather jackets, The Casualties have come from their 1990 genesis to their latest release, Under Attack, kicking and screaming with British influenced aggressive attitudes all the way. All the punk/screamo stereotypes can be found here, unending hate towards everything (including your shoes in "World of Rumors"), power-packed guitar blast instrumentals that capture your ear initially but have you bored by the third track, and of course, the monotone scream-vocals that are almost laughable. It must be said however that The Casualties out-punk anyone. For those who can’t get enough of the spiky hair and pissy attitudes these guys should be your idols. No one screams the way The Casualties do, and their punk attitudes can be felt strongly through their music. For a pure-punk fan this should already be in your collection. Yet, if you feel more similarly to the author towards punk, this album is definitely not for you. It’s a clear case of genre choice, but one that couldn’t be easier.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)