‘Stories of Survival’ was 2010’s fourth full-length offering from Authority Zero, and this year a bonus edition has been released on Concrete Jungle featuring new live versions of 6 of the tracks.
It’s an upbeat, fast paced punk rock album but there are clearly other influences appearing, namely skate punk, blues and reggae, infused with lyrically clear political standpoints. Opening with a sample of Churchill’s “Blood, Sweat, Tears and Toil”, the album gets straight to the point, highlighting the economic difficulties and corruptions faced by everyone. ‘The New Pollution’ demonstrates how it affects their “survival” and continues through stand-out track ‘Big Bad World’, a socio-political offering in which the reggae vibes are especially prominent – to the point that you half expect the some horns to be cracked out half-way through.
DeVore’s vocals are extremely charismatic and maintain a distinctly rough edge, completing the sense of angst portrayed in the politically-driven lyrics and fuelled by and intense passion. Catchy gang lyrics also creep in all over the place, helping to create songs that you can really get involved with and feel a part of.
This album contains all the elements it should with the desired hooks, clear, highly rhythmical and grinding guitars as well as tight solos and brilliant melodies. It exudes diversity whilst allowing them to remain extremely engaged with what they’re doing, resulting in a very cohesive effort. They’re striving for a definite point with all the tracks blending perfectly, contrasting with the rebellious lyrics, trying to break any available restrictions.
My main issue with this album is that it’s uncertain whether there was really a necessity for this bonus edition with the live tracks at all. They’re well done, containing all the enthusiasm and passion one would expect from a set of live Authority Zero tracks, however it seems they don’t add a huge amount to the recorded tracks that already appear on the album. This CD does, however, prove that you can’t say Authority Zero don’t have the fucking tunes.
ROSIE MORSHEAD