Conflict have been described as the world’s foremost activist punk rock band. In the USA, the Seattle riots and the ‘straight-edge’ punk movement have accredited the band as inspiration. This led to increased attention focused around the dormant group, and gave them an incentive to resume activities. Last year Conflict headlined a sold out Astoria in London, in memory of Barry Horne, the animal rights activist who died in prison on hunger strike, and subsequently began writing material. ‘No Power Without Control’ is the result of that process, and sees the band staying true to the punk rock ideals they had when they began two decades ago.
When they started life on Crass’ label Corpus Christi twenty years ago, Conflict existed in a different era of punk rock. All the gigs the band played were benefits for either causes or bust-funds and their albums and singles were frequently emblazoned with contacts for campaign groups. Fast forward to 2003, and punk has a very different image on the whole. Groups are courted by major labels, make constant appearances on the likes of MTV and would much rather sing about a broken heart than political ideals. You’re probably wondering if a band like Conflict have a place in the modern punk rock scene. The simple answer is, of course, yes. Conflict are probably more relevant now than ever. At a time when even genre stalwarts Rancid appear to have bowed to the lure of a major label, we need someone to remind us where punk rock came from. You may not agree with many of their comments, but you have to respect what Conflict embody.
From the onset of current single, and opening track, ‘Carlo Guiliani’, Conflict have something to say, and they do it against a backdrop of good honest punk rock. It may not be an original sound in this day and age, but it has been, and it remains, a powerful stable mate to the lyrical arguments. With Conflict‘s lyrics, there are times when the music is overlooked, but the fierce, aggressive and militant style cannot be ignored. This is a band that play fast and heavy, and have vocals ranging from spoken to shouting. Songs from, ‘I’m Starving’ to ‘War’ enable the band to showcase both their lyrical and musical talents. And yes, Conflict still have the ability to shock an audience. Royal lovers everywhere will have their jaws dropping with horror at ‘Dodi Did ‘Er Doggy’; a none too flattering song about the nations favourite princess.
Conflict have returned to the punk rock scene after a decades absence with an album that will divide a great number of people. There is no denying the quality and the passion behind the songs, but there are those that will ignore the band due to their beliefs. If truth be told, it is just a pleasure to see a band that will shake things up a bit, because I for one am getting bored of most of the acts masquerading as punk bands these days. Even if you don’t share the band’s political beliefs I urge you to check this out, you might just learn something.
Mark