Track Listing
White Crosses
I Was a Teenage Anarchist
Because of the Shame
Suffocation”
We’re Breaking Up
High Pressure Low
Ache with Me
Spanish Moss
Rapid Decompression
Bamboo Bones
One by One
Bob Dylan Dream
Lehigh Acres
Bitter Divisions
Punk rock pioneers, Against Me! proved that they could supply lighter sounds. The band released an album in 2011, that may have not earned them immediate praise, but that was more lyrical in its execution. Not like earlier albums, the record showed the band in a different light. It wasn’t direct punk, as it had melodic underpinnings with choruses that soared. This wasn’t a bad thing, as many fans liked the style.
Progressive in its output, the album was a more diverse contribution, featuring political traits. Lead singer Laura Jane Grace wrote lyrics that supplied an insight into a brewing mindset. These words were rebellious statements against the hierarchies of the world, proving that Grace had more than punk lyrics in her locker.
White Crosses was an album that had fight and surging authority. It contained a larger collection of songs than usual – fourteen songs in fact. Many of these tracks signified a rage but also were more polished. The title track ‘White Crosses’ stood the test, giving the listener a chance to dance through the confusion of life. The riff was pleasing, orchestrated by an able band.
‘Because Of The Shame’ neared close to ballad-like status, with a pulsating chorus, and gritty vocals. It was a highlight. ‘We’re Breaking Up’ and ‘Ache With Me’ provided a slower tempo, showing the band’s credentials.
White Crosses was a different concept. An album of melodies and not just straight-up punk rock, but a collection of songs that rallied against the grain and mattered to many.