Propagandhi Potemkin City Limits

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Reviewed by: Ray Harkins   //   Published: 11/16/2005

This may feel like a thesis but when you get the opportunity to write about one of your favorite band's new releases, you grab and run with it.

For those unaware, Propagandhi is one of the best bands around. No matter what you grew up with, metal, hardcore, pop punk or anything that falls underneath the independent umbrella, one cannot deny the impact that these three (previously four) Canucks from Winnipeg have bestowed upon us. They are witty, sarcastic, informative, talented, musically inclined and above all, intelligent. Serving the purpose of conveying their beliefs to a wider audience, this band has never been more about stirring up the pot than now.

Four years have passed since, Today's Empires, Tomorrows Ashes was released on Fat Wreck Chords in 2001 and not only have things become more musically stale than ever, but politically things have changed drastically since Propagandhi have last spoken out. Potemkin City Limits contains more substance and wisdom than most high school classrooms contain these days. Musically, I can't even begin to tell how dynamic this juvenile pop punk band have become. Songs like "Die Jugend Marschiert" are around four minutes in length but feel like fifteen, in a good way.

The art is breathtaking and the information is valuable so one can create their own opinion, rather than clones of one another. How much praise can one record receive you ask Well, in this case it is deserving much as Bad Religion's Generator or NOFX's Punk In Drublic have been over the years. Maybe this won't be as timeless or carry the same impact, but the potential exists.

Bottom Line: Propagandhi have created the best record of the year in my estimation. The music, packaging, message and heart behind this release, it's no wonder it took them four years to put it all together. Those looking for records that reminded them why we are all participating in this scene, look no further as you have found your match. You may actually learn something.

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