EP Review: Introducing Alternative Facts

The origins of punk music are so deeply intertwined with political awareness and rebellion, making it part of the very core of the movement. Standing at the forefront of the anti-fascist and anti-racist movements, punk rockers created the soundtrack of the era in the same way the folk protest song did for the hippies in their own fight against political oppression and demand for freedom of expression.

Born in England under Margret Thatcher’s oppressive political regime, punk music’s uncompromising rejection of the status quo was quickly adopted by the disregarded youth of America who were witnessing their own struggle against a right wing demagogue in the form of Ronald Reagan. New Zealand has also had its own political punk movement, taking a leading role in the riots around the 1981 Springbok tour.

When I read that the members that make up Auckland based punk trio Alternative Facts hailed from the UK, US and NZ, I was interested to see how the unique styles of their homelands would merge together.

Alternative Facts’ debut EP Introducing Alternative Facts takes the hard hitting political themes of British punk, the catchy melodic style of the Americans, and the tongue-and-cheek satirical tone the Kiwis tend to pour into their creative endeavours, and blends it all into one attention grabbing piece of work.

The Ballad of Christopher Luxon is the first single and opening track on the EP. It’s easy to sit and say, “fuck the government”, or “the prime minister’s a dickhead”, and regardless of who is in charge, people will cheer. but to do so is cheap and easy. To actually call out what the government is doing and to fight for change takes real knowledge and awareness, while demonstrating that what you’re fighting for is more than just aesthetic. The lyrics to this track could be taken right out of the 1980’s, which makes it as relevant today as it would have been back then.

Time To Fight was written about guitarist/vocalist Steve’s experience of being in New Zealand while he watches his homeland of America fall deeper and deeper into social and political upheaval, as well as the anger and fear that induces. But instead of falling into hopelessness and apathy, Time To Fight is a direct call to action that anyone seeing their homeland in turmoil can be inspired by.

“When you’re afraid to go home
Nothing feels right
When you’re afraid to go home that’s when it’s
Time to fight”

GonoSyphaHepaAids brings in the more fun and comical aspect of the band, as does the next semi-biographical song Don’t Bother, He’s Gay. Showing that although the lads clearly have an interest in progressive politics, they don’t always take themselves too seriously, and they’re out to have a good time.

Musically, Alternative Facts are very much at home in the three-piece classic punk genre with their distorted guitar, catchy four chord riffs and upbeat driving rhythms. They aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but their music shows that sometimes boundaries can be a good thing, as they help you to focus on the essence of what you’re trying to create. Although Alternative Facts hug the established borders of the punk genre, their music by no means feels like a copy of a copy, or an uninspired retread. Their recordings capture the raw imperfection of a live show and there is a real sense of fun and engagement in what they are doing.

If this EP proves anything, it’s that punk rock is alive and kicking – it’s just as relevant and necessary now as when it stormed out of the poverty stricken streets of England.