One-21

Item: One-21
Author: Luke Harlow

(2001)

Reviewed by Luke Harlow

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Label Facedown RecordsDecapolis2001

hardcore punk punk ska punk

One-21 hails from Philadelphia, PA and has existed in one form or another since 1994 (see decapolis interview section for more information in this regard). This self-titled album is their second full-length and first with Facedown Records. They are a five-piece punk rock band with an edge informed by an affinity for rock and roll.

Simply put, this is One-21's best album to date. It is a fantastic effort on both the lyrical and musical fronts. Lyrically, One-21 does what every quality "traditional" punk album ought to do: provide thought-provoking and intelligent content. Coming from a definite evangelical Christian perspective, issues range from matters of faith to social commentary. For example, in "Pacified," arguably the "toughest-sounding" song on the record and one of my personal favorites, American Christians are indicted for "laziness [that] plagues our people" and "striving to be amused" rather than striving in the faith.

In an unexpected, yet very welcome twist, the band covers Thee Pirates' classic "Building Better Bombs," but slows it down and puts it to acoustic guitar. The result is one of the highlights of the album and a strong, completely relevant statement about world politics put on a very sincere landscape.

Musically, One-21 does not disappoint either. Rather than hyper-fast, borderline hardcore songs of their past, the band maintains their punk rock edge but infuses a much stronger rock and roll edge. Rather than the full on screamed vocals and gang-style back ups - which are still present to varying degrees on this record - One-21 turns to melodic, catchy tunes and (real) singing. This is not to suggest One-21 has gone pop. Don't think Green Day or MxPx style punk; think Rancid or The Clash. Guitar leads are throughout, as is the notable presence of acoustic guitar, which gives a real fullness to the sound.

Enough good things cannot be said about this album. Just when it seemed that the scene had turned its back on quality, "roots-style" punk rock, One-21 hit the studio to attempt to record just that. The result of their efforts is a wonderful, fully engaging listen and one of the most significant albums of the year.