Authority Zero are the acetone that's taking the bubble-gum punk right off the bottom of our shoes. Their sophomore release Andiamo, which will be released on Lava Records on June 26 is packed with 14 pure punk rock songs that have a slight pop tinge.
Andiamo sets the tone with "Painted Windows" and showcases the band's energy and quick drum beats of Jim Wilcox. Jason DeVore's vocals are deep, quick and full of power. It's not even close to the high-pitched whines of some of today's hottest punk. Guitarist Bill Marcks even slips in some short solo-type guitar riffs that stay consistent throughout the album.
"Madman" has a slight ska soaked feeling in the guitars during the verse and bridge, while "A Thousand Year War" is fist pumping ska. Considering the fact that former Sublimer Michael Happoldt (Miguel) had his hands in some of the production of Andiamo a ska-reggae track like "Society's Sequence" really seems to stand out.
There's a feeling of punk autonomy on Andiamo with "Revolution," saying "You want a revolution, you gotta make a difference on your own." A good portion of Authority Zero's songs have a classic "In Your Face" punk feeling to them.
Authority Zero aren't afraid to push the punk limits. "Mexican Radio" is highlighted with keyboards and even some record scratching. How many times do we see a punk band put a track without any vocals on their album? Not too often, but again, Authority Zero thinks outside of the box with "Chili Con Crudo," a track that has no vocals, but rather a Mexican ska feeling to it.
There's even plenty of opportunities to dance when listening to Andiamo like on "Solitude" and plenty of moshing to be done with a song like "Find Your Way." The final track on Andiamo, "PCH," is a satirical look at the Bill of Rights that really seems to fit on the album. But keep the CD player spinning until it resets itself because the hidden track, "Rattlin' Bog is simply amazing. It's a live recording of an Irish drinking song that has mind-blowing vocal speeds that even Twista couldn't compare to.
Even if you're not that familiar with Authority Zero, don't be afraid to check them out. I give Andiamo an 8.5 because it's powerful and experimental, but has all the fixings of a solid punk rock album. Authority Zero may have a record on their hands that gets them on to the radio and a household name next to some of the bands that they've toured with like Sum 41, H20 and NOFX.
Suggested Listening: "Madman," "Revolution," "Mexican Radio" and "Rattlin' Bog."
By: Adam K. Zakroczymski III - Senior Editor / Founder
May 19, 2004
