These guys are the most angry Christian punk band since Crashdog. And it works. The main object of their scorn is, not unlike others in this genre, America. However, unlike a lot of bands, their existence is validated by the fact that they do more than flip off authority. The Culprits find a way to say something new about old--and seemingly recycled-- issues. Man, this is good. Aside from the bands on Facedown records, old school punk bands made up of Christians have been at a minimum in the last several years. Aside from groups like One-21, the Deal, and a handful of others, few have been able to create strong recordings with driving tunes and such a socially relevant message. The Culprits wear their influences on their sleeves. Their cover of Minor Threat's "Seeing Red" is one of the best out there and "Johnny Bombs Away" sounds like a dead copy of Rancid's "Olympia, WA" (of course, there has always been a certain amount of "licensed plagiarism" in punk rock and the fact is that "Johnny Bombs Away" is a good song). For those that can stand a little old school punk rock and do not mind to be challenged (or offended), The Culprits present you "1513." Enjoy.
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Other coverage for this album
Decapolis March 2002Reviewed by Nate BaileyThe Culprits have been playing together since 1997 and have released this, their debut full length, on Death for Life Records. The Culprits are an old school punk outfit whose raw energy punctuates this return to the basics. I have heard many bands describe themselves as old school to try and give meaning to the noise they tried to create, but the Culprits write good music with unique…Similar sounding releases
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2000RancidRancid
1998MxPxLet It Happen
1999Falling Sickness / DysenteryFalling Sickness / Dysentery
