VerseTheir follow up to "Anger and Rage" shows the band maturing as a group of musicians, which should naturally happen after realizing two previous full lengths. Though they have never really strayed away from playing melodic hardcore, they have improved their song writing throughout each subsequent release, this being no different. Though they rely a bit too much on using a melodic interlude to start off a song (though the use of it in "Sons and Daughters" is exceptional)
Verse is definitely one of the most insightful bands in the hardcore community in regards to their lyrics. The opening track, "The New Fury" starts Sean's commentary off on the injustices of America's government and how the system is meant to keep the population apathetic and hopeless, a theme he tackles constantly throughout the album. The point that Murphy makes about how the top one-percent "has ninety-nine percent on their knees" should ring true with any intelligent individual.
The next track "Old Guards, New Methods" is about MOVE and Mumia Abu-Jamal, who documented the atrocities as a journalist. Seldom do you hear a hardcore band approach the subject, though there have been a couple (Leftover Crack for instance). It is something that has been covered mostly by the hip-hop community, and from being a Philadelphia native and avid fan of 215 hip-hop, I have certainly heard my share. Around here it is a very touchy subject for many. Many are uneducated about it and the ones that are sit on both sides of the fence, staunch in their beliefs. In the song Murphy cries out "...where is the justice in Philly for MOVE and Mr. Jamal?". I have to break down my response into two parts. First in regards to the MOVE because it sets up the latter. A brief summary of the MOVE incident is that in 1978, the Phila. Police had ordered the anarcho-primitivist to relocate, they refused, police forced entry to serve warrants, one officer was killed, and several others were injured including firefighters and police. The most talked about incident occurred in 1985 when the police dropped C-4 and Tovex bombs on the group's new location, causing the block to catch fire which resulted in the death of eleven people. The incident resulted in an apology from the mayor and the city awarded $1.5 million to a lone survivor. The latter is of course inexcusable and the police forgot that two wrongs do not make a right. Many people believe that because Mumia documented it from the side of MOVE that he was framed for the murder of police officer Daniel Faulkner. From that it's easy to see how many people would side with Mumia. But it's just a shame that Faulkner and his family have been placed in the middle of such a horrible and complicated situation.
But I digress. The central piece of this album is the three chapter piece called "Story of A Free Man" which is epically built up, both instrumentally and lyrically. The first chapter, "The End of Innocence" is the introduction of a homeless man whose addiction was rooted in his father being taken in an unjust war. The second chapter, "The Cold Return" is the realization of the man of what he needs to do in order to swim. The final chapter, "Serenity" ends with "I'm walking away from this," he said with conviction. He walked away a new man....This is the story of a free man." In all, the piece was done exceptionally well.
The album layout was purposely thought out. Even with the front cover the band expresses their political nature, using a picture from a Palestinian town that is suffering due to conflicts between Israel and Palestine. The link that the band provides in the layout is a interesting and eye opening read, so check it out. Like their last full length, the band provides a reading, as well as a documentary list that helped shape the lyrics. This one reads more like a thank you list (which there is none). Another aspect I liked about the package was how the booklet contained nothing but the lyrics and used the digipack for the rest of the text.
Rating: 4.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "The New Fury", "Old Guards New Methods", "Story of A Free Man"
& "Sons and Daughters"
Synopsis: Surprisingly, the band was able to improve, both on the music side of things as well as the lyrical side, culminating in a release that is superior to "Anger and Rage". Truly one of the most intelligent hardcore bands of the 2000's.
Links to check out: