If Report Suspicious Activity's new self-titled album doesn't offend your political ideals, it will certainly pummel your eardrums.
This group is too wrapped up in their anger to get a point across, and the message gets lost within the banter. There is an overabundant droll of political views with lyrics like "We're the weapons of mass destruction/ Another famous Hollywood production," found in the track "Guantanamo."
Report Suspicious Activity is the collaboration of Articles of Faith's Vic Bondi, Jawbox/Burning Airlines' J. Robbins, and Kerosene 454's Darren Zentek. Having originally started as a solo project for Bondi, this indie punk-rock group released their debut self-titled album.
The lyrics approach cleverness in a few of the songs, such as "In on the Killing," which rips on our country's current war.
"The oil's black, the motive white/ It's a case of self-defense," sings Bondi.
Looking at a song like "Patriot Act," with ear-piercing lines like, "all for false security" or "red, white and bulls***" from "Subtle," there is no denying this band's rage.
Their hostile tone does not relent for one second. Their lyrics are not easy to swallow and the vocals make it even more difficult to digest. Bondi's voice is raspy and coarse, as he practically screams throughout the entire album.
The tactfulness of this trio's composition comes into question. With what might be mistaken as creativity, the meaning behind the band's angst becomes lost within their bizarre exhibition of lyrics: "I want your daughter to drop ecstasy and sneak into discos with rappers wearing gold chains."
The instrumentals are consistently earsplitting with the exception of the last song "Willingly Blind." This song is a soothing surprise at the end of a deafening experience. The most shocking aspect is the unearthing of Bondi's true vocal talent. Yet, as with the entire album, the song seems to continue long past its welcome.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
