Album Reviews
On the first of November 2024, Authority Zero released a new EP for their 30th anniversary: Thirty Years: Speaking to the Youth. Rarely have I listened to a record with as much punch packed into this short of a runtime. Just over 22 minutes, this album is packed with awesome. No question, it’s my favorite album released in 2024.
As is their way, Authority Zero weaves listeners through punk subgenres with ease. The record bounces from melodic post-punk political anthems to reggae groovers to pop punk choruses and skater jams, none of which feel out of place. THe whole record manages to be uplifting, while hitting heavy lyrical subjects with poetic grace, all backed by just top notch instrumentation. Every band member shines here and gets their own little moments to shine.
The record proves why they’ve been around for three decades: they know what they’re doing. Song structure, lyrics, styling, and even callbacks are executed flawlessly. It may only be six tracks, but Thirty Years: Speaking to the Youth might be my vote for best record of the last year.
Thirty Years: Speaking to the Youth track listing:
- A Change In The Tide
- Lights Out
- Ways To Wage A War
- Long Way To Go
- Second Chances
- Speaking To The Youth
Once described as "a gas station philosopher trapped in a pop punk drummer's body," Lee enjoys thinking and writing about music outside of his creative and intellectual grasp!
