News

Break Anchor’s “West Alexandrine” is a blast of punk rock civic pride
 on
Monday, January 11, 2016 - 23:30
submitted by
Bjorn

Jason Navarro may be best known as the frontman for Detroit ska-punks the Suicide Machines, but he has far too much drive and passion to be contained in just one band. There’s his metallic hardcore outlet Hellmouth, his traditional ska outfit J. Navarro & The Traitors and what we’re here to talk about today, melodic punk quartet Break Anchor. The band plays a style of punk that isn’t easily locked down into one category—one listen to their new album, In A Van Down By The River, and might hear a little Fugazi here, a little Seaweed there, a dusting of Good Riddance and a smidgen of the Lawrence Arms. (Much of that is testament to Kyle Green, who sings and plays guitar alongside Navarro.) The album is moving and anthemic, and no song sums up those feelings better than “West Alexandrine,” which we’re debuting the music video for today. Navarro explains the concept behind the DDominicJr-directed clip:

“My family was very dysfunctional, and to say I came from a broken home is an understatement. I have always had faith in myself, probably because my parents didn’t. The city of Detroit and all my friends who I consider closer to me than family helped raise me and become who I am today. Detroit has this effect on a lot of people which is why we have everyone standing with buildings or empty lots that meant the world to them. I hope it makes sense to kids who have been raised by the city or who have found family that isn’t blood.”

Break Anchor’s In A Van Down By The River is available now via Paper + Plastick.