Written by Maddy Howell
With a career spanning over 30 years, Winnipeg
political-punk pioneers Propagandhi have become well accustomed to changing and
maturing their sound. Since the accessible, infectious pop-punk hooks of their
early work, the quartet have been continually pushing the boundaries in their
output, proving more and more unpredictable upon each release. 2017 marks the
release of the band’s seventh studio album, 'Victory Lap', and yet another
opportunity for them to showcase just how far their sound can go.
With political unrest spread across the globe and fascism,
sexism, racism and homophobia all pushed to the forefront of issues that are
demanding conversation, it was only a matter of time before a Propagandhi
record surfaced. Opening on title track, Victory Lap, the band’s latest musical
re-invention becomes immediately clear, taking their sound in the most trash
metal direction we’ve seen from them thus far.
Throughout 'Victory Lap', Propagandhi begin to one-by-one take
a stand against the hateful ideologies Donald Trump is looking to push in his agenda. The
topic of sexism is tackled on Tartuffle, with frontman Chris Hannah feverishly announcing:
“We came here to rock // all single moms to the front // deadbeat dads to the
rear,” over a rollicking guitar riff and thrashing percussion. The theme
switches to animal cruelty on the jaunty Lower Order (A Good Laugh), before
Comply/Resist addresses the maltreatment of Indigenous peoples of Canada, and
the constant hypocrisy and discriminate affairs brought upon them.
Propagandhi have always been at their best when they
effectively manage to blend topics of personal struggle with their political
commentary. Nigredo is the quintessential example, with an overwhelming
darkness looming over the grief-ridden track. Reflecting on the loss of bassist
Todd Kowalski’s father, the themes leak out into a wider context of current affairs,
acting as a disconsolate reflection as to where we find ourselves now.
Something that proves notable about 'Victory Lap' is its
constant change in pace and style, never quite sticking on its path for more
than a few minutes. Although this level of irregularity edges the album on
being a little too disjointed and jumpy, it also ensures things never play out
too long, with new ideas introduced as soon as the old begin to tire. The trash
metal influence echoes loud and clear on In Flagrante Delicto, with Lower Order
and Failed Imagineer switching to push the chugging guitars synonymous with Propagandhi’s
sound, before Letters To A Young Anus offers a sound beautifully reminiscent of
1993’s 'How To Clean Everything'.
It’s in its variety and ability to cover all grounds that
this album truly proves it’s worth. 'Victory Lap' is a band angry at the world
around them, pining for change yet accepting the difficulty in getting there.
There’s a sadness in their anger, and a hope that future generations are spared
the pain of today – a sentiment that many can share.
This idea becomes evident on album closer, Adventures in
Zoochosis, concluding proceedings on a poignantly reflective note. Opening with
the sounds of children’s laughter, the track is soon splintered with notable
phrases spoken by President Trump, tainting the innocent sonance with words of
spite and animosity. The track blossoms into a heart-wrenching tale of breaking
out of the cages we situate ourselves in, and refusing to let our children
amount to the same fate as us, ending on a harrowing observation about the
world we are living in.
Although times are tough and it can become harder and harder
to see a light at the end, 'Victory Lap' is a much-needed reminder that we can
face these storms together. Whilst continually able to craft intriguing and
innovative ideas musically, it’s Propagandhi’s ability to push their message in
an engagingly inclusive and passionately desperate manner that enables them to
remain at the forefront of their scene.