Go For The Gold – American
Genre: Punk, Hard Rock
How far does the territory of the U.S.A. stretch to? Technically, it’s a large chunk of North America. Practically, the yanks have taken the legendary American Dream and the no-less legendary American appetite for military conflict to regions so remote that regular citizens would struggle to point them out on a map.
Is this because we are dealing with an evil empire? Or, is this simply what empires aspiring to become hegemonic powers do? They export their culture, their beliefs, their wars. There were no people more envied in the world than Americans. From Russia to Eastern Europe, from the Middle East to Africa, people loved you. Those were the days, eh?
Now, I write these words from a makeshift American colony in Eastern Europe. But, it’s interesting to see and hear what actual Americans think of their country. The punk-rock anger of Go For The Gold’s American is a good indicator. It’s a taste of dreams, and history, of toxicity and confusion. There’s great passion in the way Go For The Gold perform this song. And, one can’t but feel for their struggles. Still, from Russia to Eastern Europe, from the Middle East to Africa, people can’t help but wish that those problems remain unexported to their lands.
Upper Downer – Responsibility
Genre: Punk, Pop Punk
Similar artists: Lawrence Arms, Face To Face, Blink-182, Choking Victim, Dillinger Four
The protectors of mainstream music must be in awe. How come people keep buying into these alternative music styles? They don’t even play them on their radio or television stations. They rarely feature in their movies, or wherever else their advisors tell them that people get their music.
Yet, look at punk-rockers, for example. There are hordes of people willing to spend money and see their favorite punk bands live. People still buy merch. They still play this music throughout just about every day of their lives. And, rarely do they forget about their allegiance to these alternative music genres.
It’s a love story for certain and Upper Downer’s Responsibility fits into this narrative. The melodic, but rowdy tune is both an apology and an acceptance of a life lived well and lived outside of the norm. It’s the sound and energy without which many wouldn’t be able to carry on with their day. Yep, the world needs groups like Upper Downer.
