Battleflask

Despite the title and Southern California locale, Battleflask is no Suicidal Tendencies ripoff. That much should be obvious, especially since Battleflask has managed to wrangle one of those perfectly fitting band names that describes the music in the name. You know, like the Germs, Slapstick, Rancid, or the New York Dolls. Battleflask is a nice concoction of aggressive, politically-charged punk rock with just a slight hint of drunken outlaw/western debauchery to spice things up.

Pledge Your Allegiance opens with "World Class Hero," a blistering punk rabble rouser that takes aim at hegemonic western imperialism: "The reign is coming, the flag is rising, the faith is growing / You're marching on / Bombs are dropping, cities are burning, children are crying / the time has come."

From there, the band expands its sound, stepping out of the straightforward punk boundaries for songs like "Trainwreck" and "Mary O'Mine" for traces of western mixed with rock and roll. The Cobra Skulls might have the upper hand to Battleflask in that style having already inked a deal with Red Scare, but it's not like Fake Problems hasn't been able to find success after Against Me! became a household name.

"The Fall of Justice" closes Pledge Your Allegiance, and is arguably the best song on the EP. The song features an interesting lead-in rhythm, shout-along chorus, and some rockin' guitar soloing. Lead vocalist Phillipe boasts a strong voice that doesn't back down in transitions between movements and fits well with the band's aggressive nature.

The one thing that could make Battleflask a more potent force in the scene is adding some hooks to the melodies. The foundation of quality punk and country styles has been laid in Pledge Your Allegiance, all that's left is some fine-tuning to give the songs the element needed to get stuck in your head.

So Pledge Your Allegiance is good, and that's all that matters here, right? Well, if you really want to get a taste for the band, see them live. Rumor has it that the stage is where Battleflask thrives. Grab a sample here, or the album if you dig it, but if you can make it out to a show, you will be in for a treat.