Customer Reviews

Supporting Caste

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Propagandhi's new album was the greatest experience in music since I got into the Beatles, since not even the Beatles music has made me hold back tears. Yes, you read that right, read it over again. Nothing has impressed me as much as this did on a first listen. If you've never heard "Potemkin City Limits," this will probably take you a few listens to get in to. Potemkin took me a few listens and "Supporting Caste" takes this sound further. Chris Hannah's guitar work is as impressive as always, and "the beavers" guitar work doesn't detract from Hannah's at all, which was definitely something I worried about. I feel as if I could've played "Potemkin City Limits" and "Less Talk, More Rock," in front of my mom and it wouldn't bother her, "Supporting Caste" would need some more tolerance and understanding, though not as much as "How To Clean Everything."

The album starts out with the incredible "Night Letters," which starts out with Propagandhi's most metal moment ever. I wouldn't have even realized it were them until the Todd starts singing and the song explodes in all its thrashy gloriness. For those STILL hoping for another "How To Clean Everything," you won't find it here, and really should've stopped expecting HTCE 2 after hearing "Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes." Either way, I almost feel like this album was made for me. "The Banger's Embrace," is a great song that brilliantly contrasts the darker feel of most of the album, with a more upbeat sound and positive vibes. I'm assuming this is what Chris was referring to in saying this album mixes PTC with "Less Talk, More Rock." The song's is especially effective after following up the incredibly thrashy "Incalculable Effects." "Dear Coaches Corner," is probably my favorite of the slower, more melodic songs on here. It's been stuck in my head constantly from the 2nd listen. The way he sings the opening words "Dear Ron Mclean, dear coaches corner," are sure to not leave your head. For the fans of the short and fast songs, which has sort of been a tradition since "Less Talk, More Rock," "This Is Your Life," won't disappoint. I do kind of wish Chris would sing one of the short ones though (Who doesn't like "Rio de San Atlanta, Manitoba?!"). "Come to The Sabbat," is an interesting hidden cover track at the end of "Last Will & Testament", that is a very unusual sound for Propagandhi, albeit a cover. It'd definitely be a fun sing-a-long live song. The only other gripe I have with this album is that I loved "Bringer of Greater Things," and "Cut Into the Earth" on PCL, but Todd's songs on these ones are much thrashier and I like the way he sings, it was surprising after his performance on Today's Empires. The lyrics on this album are less political overall, but that certainly doesn't mean they've lost their edge, the lyrics are intelligent as ever- still very impressive. The insert is jam packed with notes from Chris and links to organizations and causes, plus some quotes (including a frightening one from Hermann Goering, Hitlers 2nd in command, which you will immediately identify as happening today).

Bottom line is if you're a metalhead who likes punk at all, get this album. If you're really into punk rock and like thrash at all, you'll love this album as well. If I had to sum up this album in 2 words it'd be "thrashy" and "epic." I wouldn't call any track on this album filler but standout tracks would have to be "Night Letters," "Supporting Caste," "Human(e) Meat (The Flensing of Sander Katz)," "Incalcuable Effects," then the rest of the album less then a step behind.

For those of you put off by their last album, Potemkin City Limits, fear not. I really disliked the sound of Limits, but it was, without a doubt, their most mature entry at the same.

Supporting Caste brings back the classic feel of Propagandhi along with the most thought-provoking lyrics I've heard in quite a few years.

A great album if you're into politically/socially charged punk/thrash/metal. Propagandhi has found the fine line between social commentary and preaching. And they aren't preachers.

Propagandhi exceeded my expectations with this one, and in my opinion, this is their best album to date. As always, it's not cookie cutter stuff, like Pennywise (who I don't dislike, but you get the point), and your enjoyment of the album will be immensely magnified if you look into what they are talking about. I'll try to leave out my personal views and actually review the album, but just so you know the last three books I've read are by Dawkins, Hitchens and Bob Torres. :)

"Night Letters" starts the album off with a metal sound, with Todd's vocal's following. You're not sure what to think but after a couple listens, it's pretty darn good, and the best Todd track to date, imo.

The title track is up next and it is definitely worthy of being a title track. In trademark fashion, Chris once again let's us know he's not part of this machine and we shouldn't be either. It's musical blueprint is similar to "A Speculative Fiction," but it's a nice improvement.

"Tertium Non Datur" can be strictly summed up with "rigid dichotomies" and a plea, of sorts, to not fall into that trap. It is a faster track and I'd say this is where Prop is at their best but every sound they attempt on this album is done well.

Next up, "Dear Coach's Corner," where Chris reads a letter (it's more exciting than that): here's one I really relate to because I go to a lot of sporting events. Do we really need a giant flag on the field, Marines marching with their rifles, blue angels flying over the stadium, and a general performing the coin toss? Unnecessary propaganda overload.

"This is Your Life" is a Todd track that would fit on any of the last 3 albums, which is not a bad thing at all.

"Human(e) Meat" is the catchiest song. I wasn't aware of Sandor Katz prior to this song. Substituting Michael Pollan would have made the theme even easier to recognize, but Katz is an effective sacrifice.

"Potemkin City Limits" is next and is beautifully written: "When the screaming began, Francis shut his eyes and felt the hand of inhumanity brush over him." "Where for 5 months he ran free and replayed his only fond memory, just a warm and distant dream of his mother's loving eyes upon him." Wonderful imagery and I may or may not have shed a tear for Francis.

"The Funeral Procession" as well as "Last Will and Testament" are both great and basically say don't wait for someone else to work for the change you want to see. Anyone can relate to the next track "Without Love," and it may be one my favorite Propagandhi songs ever.

To sum it up, "Supporting Caste" is a continuation of the sound from Potemkin City Limits (album), but while it was hard for me to get into PCL, Supporting Caste is a great achievement for the band. This is the point where many bands decline, but Propagandhi are at their peak. So if you were put-off by PCL, give them another chance and buy the album because this is one of the few casts worth supporting! (I'm not sorry for the bad pun)

I'll keep this short. Supporting Caste has become my favorite albums of all time. It has everything, from the highly intelligent and articulate lyrical content to the mind blowingly (not a word, I know) complex yet easy to listen to arrangement of the songs/riffs. Also, adding the Beaver on second guitar was a seriously smart move (if you have yet to check out Giant Sons, I recommend that you do so).

Top 3 songs on this record, in order, are: Supporting Caste, Dear Coaches Corner, and Tertium Non Datur. But really they're all so good, there isn't much point in making a top 3 list.

Buy this record today, you will not be disappointed.

This album is absolutely breathtaking, and that's all there is to say about it.

Propagandhi is one of the few bands who are deeply intelligent about the content they sing about. These days, that's hard to find, considering how "cool" its become these past few years for rock bands to dive into mainstream politics. Everyone hating on Bush made him easy writing material, and bands such as Green Day out of nowhere decided they wanted to take part in it.

Propagandhi is beyond "mainstream politics". You won't find a song they've written to simply be about the popular "I hate Bush!", "The Government sucks!" mentality. No, they've dedicated their lives to learning about the world, and how dark and truly awful a lot of it is. They've implemented that in their songs, hoping to get people more aware while at the same time, enjoying their genuine rock.

There's absolutely nothing phony about this band, and this album is near perfection.

Hmm, where to start with this album?...I've been a Propagandhi fan since I first started listening to music when I was 15 and How to Clean Everything was easily one of my very favorite ablums. Gradually as I grew older and my taste evolved and matured I had stopped listening to them as well as similar sounding types of music. Years later, I think I was drawn to this album because of the artwork when I happened to come across it in the store and decided to try and 'rekindle'. Although it took time, I have started to listen to it more and more and have recently been blown away over and over as I realized what a brilliant album this is. The musicianship and songwriting is second to none. The guitar arrangemetns are highly original and technical. The sound is tight, crisp and extremely well-delivered. In conclusion, it is a masterpiece, really and unfortunately it will always be doomed to under-appreciation. Purchase and enjoy!

I'm a late arriver to Propagandhi's party and the group's brand of socially conscious music and message. First album I got was "Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes," in early 2006, and it killed--and it's a STEAL at the $7.98 Amazon price. I followed up with "Potemkin City Limits," "How To Clean Everything," and I'm gettin' ready to download Propagandhi's digital-only "The Recovered EP." Really enjoying the vibes, but I digress...

I kinda lost touch with the group, though, and only recently discovered the "Supporting Caste" release. I've been way late to this party, and have been listening to it nonstop since receiving it. A one word review would be, "WOW!" But where's the fun in that?

I suspect there are those Propagandhi backers who'll see this latest release as too commercial musically or, maybe even, a sellout. But I'd just ask any of them to consider how the group's evolved from its punk/thrash roots to a more sharp-edged metal sound. Frankly, I think the messages Propagandhi communicates fit better in a metal framework, especially considering the level of technical virtuosity--which is outstanding. While the lyrics are as focused as ever, the music demonstrates maturity gained through years of touring, evolving, and adapting to the changing landscape.

This is music with a message that deserves to capture a whole new generation of kids and young adults. Older adults, too (I'm 56). What I hear throughout the group's music catalog is "Think for yourself. Don't believe everything you're told." You know: Be more informed, not more opinionated. Sound advice for any generation, especially in today's hyper-polarized and politicized atmosphere.

In conclusion, this is some great effing music and Propagandhi's strongest album yet. Propagandhi's as passionate as ever, and the music, lyrics, and musicianship are superior to anything released before. Buy it, enjoy it, listen.

Incredible record that has the most beautiful artwork I've seen on a LP. If you only like the early Propagandhi, you probably think it's OK. If you accept the change towards metal, you'll be blown away.

album of the year...

since they came out, it seems as though every album is better than the last, but then the pervious has some lasting appeal which can't replace the new. either way, every album rocks in its own time.

I recommend all their amazing pieces of art.

Damn!!! I didnt think it was possible to top their last album, but they did, this album is something special. I got into these guys between albums, Todays Empires.....Potemkin....I really liked "Todays" and I fell in love with "Potemkin" From what I can tell these guys never do the same thing twice and Im glad, every album takes it one step further, and every time its amazing. This isnt "How to clean" and thank god its not, this album is....really I could say a million words and wouldnt do this album enough justice. Ill let the music do the talking.....