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‘Armed’ anarchists rock with wrath International Noise Conspiracy ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ Adam Carter FOR THE GAMECOCK One has to wonder whether the post-proto-punk rockers of International Noise Conspiracy are really serious about their stated Marxist/Communist beliefs. Instead of provoking listeners to hate capitalism in the new album “Armed Love,” they take a different approach. They romanticize the life of a revolutionary. What else would one expect from a band that hails from the disaffected youth of Scandinavia? After all, in Sweden, even some Christian bands dabble in liberation politics. This “noisy” band has a great love for the bands that heavily contributed to the formation of the early New York punk scene in the early-to-mid 1970s. Think MC5, the Sonics and the New York Dolls — staples of ‘70s underground rock — and that’s only the beginning. According to a news release, some of the band’s influences hail from the second wave of punk music, which picked up the minimalism of the Ramones to form the iconoclastic, anti cultural aberrations of Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys. But enough about any punk rock “movement” — this is a band that seems to have a fairly good grasp on what it wants. They generally spurn the destructive nihilism, and for the most part avoid associating themselves with the “pretty vacant” aesthetics of the punk movement at large. The red and-black cover of the insert is a direct replica of the Spanish anarchy-socialist revolutionaries in the Spanish Civil War as well as the symbol of the anarcho syndicalist (anarchist labor union) movement in America. The International Noise Conspiracy decries the .soullessness of bare Communist rhetoric with the statement on the insert, “We should never setde for the culture of revolution when what we really need is a revolutionary approach to culture. What have we become when our only source of life is our rhetoric?”Unless artistically and musically gifted young people use their creativity to support the Marxist vision of a world that does not oppress the working class, the revolution will die. That’s what this band seeks to prevent. They make do with a lineup of 12 exceptional anthems, beginning with the subversive “Black Mask,” a song in praise of social action and protest, while “The Way I Feel About You” is a rocking love song about how one became turned on to Marxist ideology. “Let’s Make History” is a break-up song filled with revolutionary overtones.’’Armed Love” and “Like A Landslide” are two songs in praise of social justice. “A Small Demand” becomes a bold statement, challenging the younger generation to rethink their acceptance of the state of their society. “This Side Of Heaven” seems to be an attempt to reach out to religion — something Marxists usually loathe — with the message, “I don’t want to have to wait forever to find it, I want freedom this side of heaven.” This actually reflects Jesus’ own criticism of the religious leaders in 30 A.D., claiming they “devoured widows’ houses.” The strongest track of the album, “Communist Moon,” delivers the powerful, signature line, “From desperate times come radical minds living armed love.” “A Voice Of Our Own” and “Guns For Everyone,” makes for a hard rock ending to this already exceptional album. ' The motto, “O bailan todos, o no baila nadie”— found in the insert — expresses “Either everyone dances, or no one dances.” This slogan was found spray-painted outside of an expensive nightclub in Uruguay about 30 years ago and is reflected throughout the album. Is it a plea for social justice? A threat of violent revolution? One can only guess. In any case, “Armed Love” is a solid rock album from a band with pure, idealist credentials. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gwm. sc. edu pood • conTinucD mom s offers a smaller, more intimate atmosphere, and it’s not so popular that you would have to wait. On a Friday night, the wait might only be 15 minutes, and with the newly added outdoor patio — which has even more ambience — the wait might be nonexistent. For the upcoming cold weather, the restaurant is closing off the outdoor patio and adding heaters. The candles and d^cor are sure to make this the perfect place to spend an evening out. | Not far from campus and a couple miles from movie theaters, Pasta Fresca is a great locale for a date. And it’s not so boisterous that friendly conversation gets lost in the crowded restaurant. With the extensive menus, it is surprising how affordable the dishes are, with the average entree around $9 and specials about $14. A couple can eat an appetizer and two entrees for less than $30. If getting out isn’t an option, Pasta Fresca offers 1 take-out — and sitting in the restaurant, it’s obvious what a brisk business they have. Instead of going to the typical Italian restaurant with the fake d^cor, overcrowded waiting room and the usual flavors, try Pasta Fresca. It is much more than it appears to be and won’t disappoint. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gum.sc. edu ,*vrt u nive r s i ty COMMONS apaRTmenTS 939.0444 Special to TIIEIiAMECOCK Punk rockery International Noise Conspiracy hail from Scandinavia. Their new album is “Armed Love.” Gamecocks Connection! Your source for Gamecocks news alerts I right on your wireless pnone! Get up-to-the-minute news about the Gamecocks, from the Gamecocks, on your wireless phone. Log on to www.vtext.com and select "Coaches Corner!" Subject to Customer Agreement and Calling Plan. $35 activation tee may apply. $175 early termination tee applies. Requires credit approval. Subject to taxes, charges and other restrictions. See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork tor network claim details. Digital phone required. Verizon Wireless post pay customers charged 2% per message received and 1O0per message sent. Verizon Wireless prepay customers charged 51 tor messaged received and sent. 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