Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 02/22/2005
Don't say
Roger Miret is tiring.
1984 is the veteran
hardcore punk frontman's second solo record, and it's released concurrently with
Agnostic Front's latest bludgeoning effort. While
AF remains committed to the confrontational N.Y.C.
hardcore aesthetic,
Miret's side work with
the Disasters looks to the boozier swagger of
the Business,
Sham 69, and contemporaries like
Dropkick Murphys for influence. (
Al Barr joins the gang chorus for
"The Boys.") But don't get confused.
1984's throwback sound is loose and lively, but
Miret still brings the sweat-blood passion that's always defined
Agnostic Front. And that's what helps him get away with well-worn lad-rallying titles like
"Riot, Riot, Riot," "Loud and Proud," and
"Street Rock n Roll." Of course,
Miret himself is well-worn, and
1984 is shot through with references to how it used to be. On
"Lower East Side," a scarred punk realizes that his pride alone won't stop gentrification. The title track also recalls those good old days, with
Miret's nasally yawp spitting lyrics of both anger and reminiscence. Despite their bitterness, these songs also feature some of the album's strongest guitar hooks.
"Janie Hawk" is another highlight -- it's a step up dynamically, with
Ziggy Stardust lyrical references and a great storyline to go with some actual singing from
Miret. Still, most of
1984 is what you expect from the street punk proud. "It's just me and the boys/A shot of Jager for my friends!" goes the rowdy drinking-and-fighting celebration
"Hooligans," while
"I Don't Like You" is a blistering minute of cussing and territory-marking. These aren't new concepts, from the song titles to the song subjects to the rangy guitar leads and rollicking "HEY! HEY!"s shouting throughout. But again, for what it is,
Miret and his band's commitment and seasoned ability keep
1984 largely on target.
~Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
;)
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