Anti-Flag, since their rise to notoriety on the national level, is a band you cannot ignore. Love them, hate them, everyone has an opinion.
The rough-cut anarcho band from Pittsburgh, who have fallen under criticism the last few years for their controversial move to a major label, are back on an independent after their somewhat disappointing previous album, The Bright Lights of America. The band seem to be focusing their energies on addressing individual issues instead of the broad, general "Fuck-The-System" subject matter they're known for. In short, if you're used to Anti-Flag being more like a meat cleaver, this album is a scalpel.
The opening track of The People Or The Gun, a catchy fusion of anger, deceptively complex musicianship, and an acute criticism of religion called "Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington D.C." is the perfect introduction to the rest of the album. Combining political and social angst with skilled musicianship and the formidable intellect of the band members themselves, the album features songs for the fans of the band as well as plenty of material sure to attract new ones. Subject matter ranges from critiques of Capitalism ["When All The Lights Go Out" and "The Economy is Suffering...Let It Die"] to the more raw 80's Hardcore "You're Fired (Take This Job...Ah, Fuck It"), to highly listenable anthems for fighting oppression and living in the modern world ["This is The First Night", "No War Without Warriors (How Do You Sleep?)", and "The Old Guard"]. While the band's previous works have been plagued with some obvious filler material, TPOTG continues it's assault on modern American culture from beginning to end, barely taking the time to come up for air. While some politically minded punk is criticised for outlining the problem without addressing any viable solutions, this album works hard to remind you that, while we're approaching a bleak era in history, it's important to keep your head up and keep fighting. Uplifting and inspirational, this album belongs in the collection of every self-respecting left winger alive.

"Punching the clock, stabbing the boss. We don't need the CEO's they need us."