Legendary and unrepentant residents of humankind's ideological peanut-galery, Propagandhi, do not disappoint with Supporting Caste- a collection of boundless power and depth that is a 50,000 watt forward-thinking, tip-of-the-hat to the giants-- Voivod, Rush, SNFU, Sacrifice, Razor, Guilt Parade --that have gone before them. Launching crude rockets into the heart of the prevailing order with meditations that range in focus from the humane slaughter and consumption of non-vegans in an elaborate 18-course banquet (with wine pairings) to the apparent confusion of turning on the TV to watch a simple hockey game and having to wonder whether or not the Nazi's actually lost the war after all. Supporting Caste: 12 new laments, reveries and extrapolations from four visibly-aging prarie skids who still cannot believe that of all the gin joints, in all the galaxies, in all the universes, they had to be born on this one.
B**Y
Sometimes Bad Religion, Sometimes Slayer. Always mind-blowing.
Warning: These guys' songs are all over the place. They change time signatures like other bands change notes. The most prevalent time signature, however, is an anthemic gallop. Hardcore speed. Sometimes the vocals are bi-tonal shouting, as in hardcore, but it's mostly melodic singing. At random times, the guys in the band all harmonize at once, and it's glorious.I'm not the biggest fan of Propagandhi. Not because I wouldn't be, but just because I've only started heeding my friends' advice to check them out, and I started with this album after reading lots of reviews. When I was younger, I would've cut off my leg to see these guys play live. They would've been my favorite band. I'm older now, and I haven't lost ALL of my youthful rage, but MOST of it. I can totally appreciate this bands' talent and subject matter. They are militant Canadian liberals, launching fireballs of progressive-speak through your speakers. It's awesome. It's easy to believe, although I've been out of the punk/hardcore scene for a little while, that these guys are the best there is at what they do.The recording is crisp and punishing. Cranking it, as you'll be drawn to, will not necessarily destroy your speakers, but will produce wonderful bassy muted chords, thunderous kick drum fills, and crystalline cymbal crashes. There's a little drama thrown into this music, and it's expressed amazingly through the mastering.Apparently, Propagandhi started in the early 90's as a So-Cal-style surf/ska punk band, albeit with the same militancy. Evidence shows that they've just gotten faster, shredd-ier, and harder with each new album, and the latest one, "Failed States" is no exception. As far as their masterpieces, though, research suggests this album and the one before it, "Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes".Happy listening. And heed the advice of another reviewer on this site: Give the album multiple listens to really sink into your consciousness. It's a lot to take in, but once you start coming around to their mindset a little bit, this album will be revealed as the meticulous work of art that it is.
M**E
Strongest Album So Far: Yup, Propagandhi Better Than Ever.
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.
M**J
Perfect
Arrived on time and undamaged. No complaints. Thank you!
W**Y
Unbelievable.......
This might be a controversial opinion, but there is the rest of punk rock, and then we have Propagandhi.Often labelled as punk, but I don't think that is a fair description. They are far more than that description could ever to just.Technical, introspective, political, controversial, and just amazing riffs from start to finish.Amazing, Amazing Record.....period
J**0
Dents, but hey....
Slight dents on the cover, but the record is good. Finally, a masterpiece is a masterpiece....
A**R
Five Stars
I definitely love this album and its a definite move toward a heavier sound. Great band.
C**Y
It's Propagandhi, no one does it better
If you like music, buy this album.
N**N
great hardcore punk album
Propagandhi never disappoints me. This album has some songs that rip you up in the best punk way possible. Night Letters, Dear Coaches Corner, and The Bangers Embrace are the best ones, in my opinion.
O**R
Verry good
Merci d'avoir pri le temp d'écrire une lettre en français meme si vous etes de calgary, j'apprécie beaucoup, envoie rapide et qualité du CD parfait
S**C
最高傑作
Potemkin City LimitsからVictory Lapまで外れなしだが…このSupporting Casteこそプロパガンディ最高傑作！アルバム全体の雰囲気、構成、バランスなど勿論素晴らしいが、冒頭曲のNight Lettersがとにかく格好良過ぎる。
S**R
It will make love to your ears
Buy this. It will make love to your ears, mind and heart.
フ**ジ
やっと巡り会えたよ！
まあ気楽に聞ける音ですね。これはいい雰囲気の中で聞くと良いですね。
T**L
Five Stars
Perfect and on time
