Supporting Caste Review

Released: Mar 10, 2009
Genre: Punk Rock
Label: G7 Welcoming Committee, Smallman, Hassle
Number Of Tracks: 12
Supporting Caste is the fifth full-length album by the punk band Propagandhi.

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	9
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9.2
Users rating:	9.4
Comments:	6

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: gibson_rules_99, on april 16, 2009

Sound: Propagandhi is a hardcore/punk band from Manitoba (Canada). As with most Canadian bands, they aren't as well know in the U.S. As they are north of the border, but they have had a decent amount of commercial success recently. After a rather bland and disappointing effort with "Potemkin City Limits" I was very anxious to hear "Supporting Caste". Where their 2005 release had been repetitive and generic, "Supporting Caste" is much more linear and features more complex and diverse tracks. There is much more variety in terms of song structure and guitar tone. The writing on this record was very good overall and Propagandhi manages to pull of their trademark blend of melody, heaviness, and complexity. The guitar playing on this album was far superior to any of their earlier releases. They once again display their excellent technical and song-writing skill. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Propagandhi are well known for their insightful, politically-charged lyrics and this album certainly does not disappoint. From a direct shot at Don Cherry and Ron McClain in "Dear Coach's Corner" to vegetarianism in "Human(e) Meat (The Flensing Of Sandor Katz), this album tackles a variety of issues with witty, well-informed lyrics. The liner notes are packed with recommended reading, viewing and methods of activism and the aggression and passion of the lyrics infuse perfectly with the hardcore riffs and overall sound of the band. Lead vocalist Chris Hannah's voice is especially strong on this album as he manages to pull away from some of the redundant melodies heard on "Potemkin City Limits". // 10

Impression: This is my favourite release of 2009 right now (although it's only May and there are some good releases coming up). It is easily Propagandhi's strongest release to date. The upcoming tour promises to be nothing short of epic (can't wait for the T.O. Show!) as they are set to tour across North America this summer. The best song on the album would probably be "Dear Coach's Corner", "Night Letters" and "Funeral Procession". My single complaint with this album would be the irritating cliche "hidden track" at the end of the album. Other than that minor inconvenience, this album is entertaining, thought-provoking, and overall hardcore from beginning to end. If I were you I would go and buy it. Right now. None of that iTunes bull**** either, go and buy a hard copy, it's more than worth it. // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: Sublimical, on march 19, 2009

Sound: Propagandhi is by far the finest example of a band that evolves with each album. Supporting Caste being no exception. My first impression is that the band is getting heavier, but more melodic at the same time. Chris' vocals haven't changed much. Overall the guitar, bass and drums have developed technically and musically. Propagandhi continues to break ground in their own sub-genre of punk. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Any Propagandhi fan knows that this band is fueled by their beliefs, and that the music is a vessel to deliver said beliefs. My only complaint would be that in a few places the speed and tempo of the song doesn't allow for a good delivery of the lyrics. In "Dear Coach's Corner" the lyrics are a letter from a concerned uncle who is disturbed by Don Cherry's "Support Our Troops" rants and is concerned his niece will have to grow up believing that to love hockey is to support Canada's military actions on foreign soil. // 8

Impression: Comparing Propagandhi albums is like comparing new computer processors, I thought their album "Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes" was their best album until "Potemkin City Limits" came out and I was mind-blown, today I was mind-blown again. My favorite songs are the namesake "Supporting Caste" and "Dear Coach's Corner"

And considering I bought this album today(on it's release date) for $10CDN from HMV I couldn't be happier. If I lost this CD I would buy it again. I'd pay double. // 9

Comments

[alkalineweeman]

Brilliant album, i'm not too sure yet if it takes overmy fave (potemkin city limits) only time will tell but another solid effort.

[Lohnanmilitia]

not my favorite by them either. but PHENOMANAL!!!

[TheKingisDead]

This album was a shock to me. Potemkin City Limits was more experimental and slower-tempo'd, and this builds heavily on that formula, speeding it up and making it far more intense. The vocals are much less snotty than their early work, and his voice really shines on this record. This album sounds like the best of Today's Empires and Potemkin put together to form an ultimate rock onslaught. Anyone who likes punk, social and political issues, or thrash should definitely check this out. For a new listener, it may take time to get used to, but this is a true piece of art. I'd give it a 9.

[rob_hank]

I had the pleasure of seeing them live in Melbourne, AU recently and they kicked ass. The newer material fit in well with the older stuff and was very well received. I confess to generally being either or about these guys, but live and with this record released so close to the tour i have to say 9/10...

[Johnny The Cat]

Awesome album. I'm still really digesting it...kinda been left in a daze by it. Today's Empires is still my favorite, but I think the comment by TheKingIsDead that this album is a refined combination of both albums is quite appropriate. Awesome band who's really out there fighting the good fight, and they never fail to disappoint. This record is a true testament to that.

[Johnny The Cat]

Forgot to add, that some people who seem to take issue with Propagandhi tend to forget the band's sense of humour. A lot of the delivery is tongue-in-cheek, but there's no question they are sincere in their beliefs.