Let's be honest here: it isn't easy to be creative within the punk genre. And while I could ramble on about One21's debut release, When The Dragon Is Finally Laid To Rest, the answer to the most critical question here, "Can I skate to it?" comes with a resounding "yes."
If you can look past the fact (as most punkers seem aptly able to do) that there are no more than about five chords throughout the entire album, once you dig into the liner notes to see what they are saying, there is a satisfyingly relevant social-spiritual component to be found. The album gels well lyrically, centering often on the theme of Christian community, both in our sinful partnership with the world and contrasting that with our apartness from the world; alternately slapping us in the face with its blunt message of our desperate sin, then as bluntly proclaiming the mercies and hope of God in Christ. A perfect example of this is "Break Down The Walls," a song that shows how desperate we are alone, then offers hope and community in the only true solution of Christ:
We succumb to the flesh, within there builds hate. Then we strive for separation because we don't feel the same. Teach us to love each other as a brother with your love.
So if you can look past the fairly monochordal aspect of the offerings, this disc comes off fairly well. I won't bother comparing them to any other bands out there, because hey, this is punk we're talking about here. Perhaps, if pushed, I will cite the Blamed, at least in terms of vocals and intensity. It isn't fake punk, anyway. It's full of basic, but hard-driving, guitar chugging, bass slamming, and vocal edging, and never lets up on the pace throughout the excursion. Hard and fast-paced throughout, When The Dragon Is Finally Laid To Rest is skateable by all means, and would make an excellent soundtrack for anyone's amateur grind video.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #74Reviewed by Doug Van PeltIt's cool to see this band getting another release out on the market, and one that's done right, as they churn out some fast and spirited punk rock. Did I say it was fast? 14 punk rock songs and one spiritual ditty clock in at 32 minutes and 10 seconds. You tell me if it's fast. And what's even better is that they're so into proclaiming Christ. As their lyrics state, "hardcore for Christ / not…Similar sounding releases
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