Anyone who has ever screamed along to every word of Boysetsfire‘s biggest anthem “Rookie” knows Nathan Gray can deliver messaging, intensity and hooks in equal parts, but only until recently they weren’t living their full truth showing all the facets of themself to the public. After backing Nathan on a sort of solo-band journey of self-discovery, newer project The Iron Roses have found their full potential as well under their own name and elevating everyone (all six!) to equal prominence on one of the most jubilant, socially potent and catchy punk records you’ll ever hear.
Let’s get one thing clear (I was gonna say straight but this is a very queer inclusive album).The Iron Roses are not here to coddle you. Boysetsfire was one of the very few bands to stick their neck out during the post-9/11 climate and critique the drums of war that led to the disastrous War On Terror. The Iron Roses have come out the gate swiging at complacency in rock, being one of the even smaller amount of bands to demand festivals drop nostalgia tribute act Pantera unless the band do proper restitution and restorative measures for Phil’s past racist actions. Like true punk Jello Biafra calling out Diane Feistein’s pro-cop San Francisco crusades against punks and the poor, this band is not here for gaslighting or hagiography. They are also downright charming.
The Iron Roses (Iodine Recordings) starts off with “Screaming For A Change”, which will have you wondering if Nathan Gray (they/them) and Becky Fontaine (she/her) are lost twins from across the Universe who are here to be punks answer to the perfect harmonizing of The Beatles. Is that title a Uniform Choice nod? I can only assume so, but the band is looking towards the future of the scene while letting us know they are never giving up the fight.
Similar sentiments abound in the fantastic aforementioned “Soldier Of Fortune”, calling out complacent artists just willing to dial it in and get a paycheck in genres that are supposed to fight for a better world. This is very welcome in a time when huge punk label Epitaph still has Falling In Reverse on the roster despite the singer being quite openly transphobic. Do better.
The Iron Roses always let us know they are down to light a match to gasoline, much like similarly reggae influenced Orange County punk’s Empired did on recent banger “Arco”. It is so cool to me to hear bands like these embracic full-on melody without hesitation again instead of performative tough guy shit that is oversaturated.
“Justify The Lies” expertly pairs Clash influenced rude boy (rude person?) stomp with anti-police brutality lyrics. Philip “Eugenius” Smith (he/him) powerfully delivers on vocals with the primary singers here to add some intense lines about the thin blue line and how so-called “good” cops get lockjaw, staying when brutality happens.
“Raising Hell” had me raising an eyebrow as a die hard Ke$ha stan with that title but it of course is completely unrelated, more akin to the book Fight Like Hell by Kim Kelly in discussing how collective organizing helps those who can’t afford to get sick or dream of a better life. It is the perfect backing music for a year of historical strike gains from unions.
“Around & ‘Round” brings super catchy Buzzcocks level power-pop into the mix, while “Old Guard” lets the dusty farts out there quake knowing the zoomers aren’t here for their outdated shit. To say this record is vital at a time when even the NHL has decided to ban rainbow support from players, caving in to bigots, is an understatement.
“Revolution Summer” ends things on the most triumphant crescendo of all, discusing how the powerful initial waves of protest emo meant so much to Nathan and set the stage for a long road to authenticity and self discovery, despite bullies. “I’m not hiding anymore/if that’s not enough then brace for war” are delivered with some of the most heart wrenching power I have ever heard from one of the most talented front persons punk has or will ever see.
If it’s gonna be a fight, The Iron Roses will be here every single night having your back.
Buy the album here:
https://iodinerecords.com/pages/the-iron-roses
9 / 10
MORGAN Y. EVANS