Portland based dark anarcho-punk Broken Spirit are hitting the West Coast as they simultaneously release their serious gem of a debut LP, Vultures And Pigs. It’s being released on Last Hour Records, fittingly sharing the label with Seattle’s Arcane and Oakland’s Otzi. In the vein of their predecessors and in true anarcho/peace punk fashion, the members are highly involved politically. They attend local protests, distribute zines at their shows encouraging fans to think beyond the aesthetic, not to mention they play as many benefit shows as possible.
From their bio: Broken Spirit commiserates with current affairs using their much loved influences of anarcho-punk, post-punk and proto-crust to provide a space where all those affected by the shit heap that is current US politics can relish in their anger, mistrust and melancholy at a world ravaged by greed and individualism. Their debut LP Vultures & Pigs speaks to the twin evil choices we’re given in the broken electoral process and how the spirit of faith in humanity is quickly dwindling.
I’m going to keep this review short, as the music speaks for itself here. The album opens up strong with “Belly of the Beast” which immediately satisfies fans awaiting the album. The gritty vocals, spacey guitar, powerful message, and perfect blend of anarcho and post punk the band is known for are all here . “Cold Life” has one of the most amazing intros I’ve ever heard in modern anarcho punk. This is a music video they put out for the song, featuring footage from all the protests at least 1 band member has attended:
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“Distractions” has one of my favorite political messages and leans more on their anarcho side, although the post-punk elements are still there a good extent. Obviously nothing about Broken Spirit is pop, but I’d say “Infiltration” is their most pop song melodically and honestly it’s easily one of my favorite songs from them. It’s impossible not to dance along to. The guitar solo at the end fucking destroys. Lyrically, “Not What It Seems” is brilliant – you’re hit with raw truths over some of the catchiest goth tinged anarcho you’ve ever heard.
“Rose For Jennifer” is short and sweet, the guitar and vocals working in tandem to tell a bleak story. The song “Vultures And Pigs” is completely unlike the rest of the album and there’s so much to it, it feels like a fucking masterpiece. At first it’s much more ethereal in sound while maintaining a hard edge, kicking up the speed two minutes in. Once the vocals come in the song feels like a crust-deathrock hybrid.
Broken Spirit are fulfilling so much of what the world needs right now. Having been around since the bleak year of 2016, they’re politically active and collectively make a real impact, plus they’re talented as all hell. Every song on Vultures And Pigs is a hit and you really don’t need me to tell you that. The music speaks for itself. Portland was so pumped at their recent show with Oakland’s Adrenchochrome, I already know they’re going to play for some pumped crowds on tour. You do NOT want to miss these guys, they’re exciting as hell. The album is out now, check ’em out!
