Music Reviews: Voice Of Addiction - "Reduce Reuse Resist"

We're only 3 days into the new year, but there is already so much great music to review here at Critical Mass. Today we're reviewing the latest release by Voice Of Addiction, "Reduce Reuse Resist".

V.O.A. are a great band from Chicago who play good old fashioned punk with fierce intensity and outstanding musicianship. Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment that we forget that there are some hardcore bands who can actually play an instrument. And V.O.A. show that all over this release. The album kicks off in high gear with "Wrecking Ball" and keep the fire and force going all the way through the next 12 tracks.

But it's not ALL in your face music. "September Remembered" is a great ballad style rocker about equality among our fellow men. Lyrics like "Lets stop pointing fingers and stop calling names. You know our sins were forgiven 2000 years ago." are powerful and heartfelt, reminiscent of Against Me! But it's just so damn good. Elsewhere "Warriors" is a one-two punch of sing along punk rock about trying to get a message across by playing music, "but is there anyone listening?"

Some bands try and make a statement by playing politically charged music because that's the flavor of the week. Some pull it off, where others come off sounding way too calculated and phony. V.O.A. make you believe in what they're saying with songs like "Bombs Away" where they ask "How come nobody cares about what is happening to your town. While your sitting there half on fire wondering what you did." Impressive, I must say.

Although I've never been much for political lyrics in song, I think that V.O.A. just may change the way I look at punk rock with a message. And if you're like me, maybe if you open your mind and ears, they just may do the same to you. Great album.

4 / 5 stars.