In dire times of crisis and injustice caused by oppressive systems, the least we can do is to voice our aspirations through the creative media that we have going – and that’s what the hardcore unit Racetraitor have been doing. Racetraitor has always been a band that’s ahead of their time – voicing opinions on systemic racism and white privilege before they were even often discussed in a large audience.
Formed in 1996, the band consisting of Mani Mostofi (vocals), Dan Binaei (guitar), Andrea Black (guitar and backing vocals), R. Brent Decker (bass) and Andy Hurley (drums) keep their trajectory of sonic journey ever-present with recurring political themes voicing aspirations regarding humanity and liberation of mankind. They have recently released a 13-track full-length titled Creation and the Timeless Order of Things (Good Fight) and the album focuses on fighting for liberation from the oppressive systems that destroy humanity and the earth. In the meantime, the album also creates a geographic autobiography of Racetraitor themselves as it is a part of recurring tales regarding stories from places and people around the world that they have crossed paths with, that have inspired them; many of them consisting of stories regarding injustice and crisis around the world, being the themes of genocide, refugees, and domestic violence.
On Creation and the Timeless Order of Things, Racetraitor presents sounds that are heavier and more inclined to the psychedelic side as a result of trying to experiment sonically in a new light – with metaphorical and political lyrics, of course. What’s most captivating is the second song from the album entitled “Chamelecón” (feat. Hera of Neckbeard Deathcamp fame). It tells the story of the ongoing violence in Chamelecón, Honduras and how the government and corporations ignored the locality.
This album features a lot of contributions from impeccable names who happen to be the friends of Racetraitor as well, namely Dennis Lyxzen (Refused), Tim Kinsella (Joan of Arc and Cap’n Jazz), Stan Liszewaki (Terminal Nation), and Sanket Lama (Chepang) to name a few, not to mention the contribution of Ethan Lee McCarthy (Primitive Man) in presenting a noise track.
Overall, Creation and the Timeless Order of Things is a visceral, noteworthy political album that speaks profoundly to the listeners’ souls; it is a way to go in voicing the unheard aspirations of the oppressed.
Buy the album here:
https://racetraitor.ffm.to/creation
8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH