Anti-Flag

Unity, equality and serious punk is the atmosphere at the University of London students Union (ULU) club as tattoo clad fans gather to see Anti-Flag, the politically-driven punksters from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The evening kicks off with a few surprises and much to most punters joy, Canadian mini-superheroes, Alexisonfire step in to fill the spot left open by Canadian compadres Cancer Bats - after the CB boys miss their plane and are stuck somewhere in Cincinnati airport hell.

First up though, enter Black Lungs; the side-project band of Alexis guitarist Wade MacNeil. Described by the man himself, his music is “simple and a lot more focused on personal experience” than his contribution to Alexis and on the microphone, it becomes clear that MacNeil is pouring his soul into things. His set is more rock than punk, more lyrically melodic than thrashed out guitars but still encapsulates an energy that most likely is derived from Alexis’ influence on him.

As for Alexisonfire themselves, the band from St. Catherine’s, a small Canadian town in southern Ontario, storm onto the stage at the opening of their surprise set. Having played the night before at the Camden Barfly, Alexis seem tired and out of sync. Guitarist Dallas Green’s vocals on ‘Boiled Frogs’ are distant, while guitarist MacNeil has a hard time keeping up. Don’t get me wrong, these boys rocked it, but had a hard time getting the subdued and surprisingly older crowd to its feet. (That's because Anti-Flag fans are rubbish, not Alexis!! - AOF Superfan Ed)

That's something that Anti-Flag had no troubles with. The Philly-based band exploded onto stage and immediately the crowd woke up. After 20 years of playing, numerous censorship attempts, and the departure and arrival of various band members, Anti-Flag still have it. Playing their only headlining show in the UK, the band have an incredible presence on stage and play a tight show. In the middle of a lengthy world tour to promote their new record, 'The Bright Lights of America', there are no signs or indications that this band want to slow down. So, “People start dancing,” demands guitarist Chris #2 and the crowd goes wild.

What is touching about Anti-Flag is not just Pat Thetic’s ability to direct the band with his percussion, nor is it Justin Sane’s vocals, but the fact that the band still promotes equality at all of its shows hoping to establish an environment that is without prejudice. Anti-Flag have dedicated themselves to connect with a local charity in each city they play and on this cold and rainy evening the boys invited Emmaus, a homeless charity, to set up a booth at the show to promote awareness and raise funds. Good cause and the night is a punked up musical slap in the face and we want more.