The Young Pioneers "Free The [Young] Pioneers Now!"

The Young Pioneers share their name with the communist youth organization of China. They also came and went as quickly as the second wave of ska, but without the geeky plaid pants. As far as I know The Young Pioneers released only one full length ("Free The [Young] Pioneers Now!"), and two seven inches ("On Trial" and "The Fall of Richmond") in a two year period (1997-'98). You can read a better description of The Young Pioneers and order their stuff at Lookout Records. Adam Woodrow (a.k.a. Stackolee) from Born Against sang and played guitar in this band. "Who's Born Against," you may be asking? Well lovelies, more on them later... While most "punk" bands were trying to write a Blink-182 record Stackolee and his boys released "Free The [Young] Pioneers Now!". It's an album with a sound Dr. Frankenstine would be proud of; a healthy dose of punk sensibility, two parts country, one part folk, and a sprinkle of bluesy undertone. That's the best I can do to describe The Young Pioneers stripped down, angry sound. Angry, yes, but intelligent in it's anger... if that makes sense. This band sings songs of political and social defiance, but doesn't wave an over bearing flag of politics in your face. One thing that makes this band a good listen is that Woodrow left his songs statements to make their own impression on the listener rather then strong arming an agenda. Plus his voice is raw, and it's passionate in it's urgency. "We Aint Even Married" (a love song of sorts) is by far one of the best tracks of the CD... organ, hermonica, and all. "Drown In The James" is a poetic and haunting song about the disillusionment of the american dream. I like.

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