Punk and reggae, with their socially conscious roots, have long been two genres that go down rather well in a mix. And while African Elephants, the second full-length from this San Francisco four piece might lack a certain punch as far as production is concerned, the effortless, punchy harmonies sound as close to The Clash as anything in punk rock has lately.
“A Day Without A War” stands out as African Elephants finest track. Fearless in its tenacity, “A Day Without A War” is the kind of potent socially-conscious rock that Dead To Me could easily make a name for themselves on. What’s more, the band appear to be firmly set in their realist stance on the world around them. “Cruel World” serves up a weighty juxtaposition, matching calm, rolling jangle-rock with desperate lyrics. It’s harsh stuff, but when Dead To Me get down to the nitty-gritty that common folks suffer through everyday, they assert themselves as contenders for the socially-conscious punk canon.
By Joshua Kloke
[Rating: 3/5]
