Rating: ***1/2
I dig political music. I find it to be one of the most effective ways to inspire change in today's society. Whether it be funky R&B of Sly and the Family Stone in the 60's and 70's or the in-your-face rap-rock of Rage Against the Machine in the 90's and 00's, activism through music has always sent a powerful message. That's why I was so stoked to see Agency's "Resist" in my review inbox today.
Released earlier this year, "Resist" promises to address the political and social climate head-on. I can't wait to listen to it.
I'm gonna do that right now. Thoughts below.
Listen to "Resist" on Spotify below:
We get started with What's Going On (RIght Now)? It's a general overview of the social upheaval the nation faces right now. It's well-sung and catchy while still getting a very powerful point across. Very solid opening track. Track two is called Till & Marrow. A powerful tune about racial inequality. Rumours has a tight little soul-rock vibe to it. Downtempo and cool, it's one of the highlights of the first half of the album for me. Backwards is next and it's the album's first single. It's a dope track, but I can't help but think there might have been a better choice of single here. Desire is track 5 and it's a solid but unspectacular tune about starting over. Black Boys on Mopeds is an acoustic ballad that I could definitely see being a single at some point. One of the best-sung tracks on the album. Machine Gun, March on Babylon, and Senses of Insecurity are all good tunes with strong political messages. Especially March on Babylon. The album seems to lull here a bit but picks back up with track 10, the funky Ice Cold. The last official track on the album is Red to the Moon and it's another downtempo affair that's reminiscent of John Legend. The first bonus track is the amazing, Let the Woman Roar (Rumours Part 2). Awesome vocals and a hypnotic beat make up this feminist anthem. Lord You Know!, Resist March, and Jesus is my Only Friend, make up the rest of the album and none of them are particularly outstanding, but they are fun add-ons to an otherwise fantastic record.
Although it is far from perfect, Agency hits most of the right notes on "Resist." I give it a strong recommendation.
Keep up with Agency here:
Website: http://theworldofagency.squarespace.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/theworldofagency
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_world_of_agency/