The Refusers - Freedom Fighter
THE REFUSERS SET TO RELEASE ‘FREEDOM FIGHTER’
The Refusers, the Seattle rock band fronted by Michael Belkin, a former Master of the Universe on Wall Street, first made their exasperation with the way things are going in America on their Wake Up America album, released in 2016.
The Refusers
They followed with Disobey in 2018, ripping into the status quo and urging listeners to dissent. At the present juncture, America is in the middle of a pivotal phase, surrounded by a pandemic, an upcoming crucial presidential election, and unprecedented social unrest. In the midst of all this, The Refusers will release Freedom Fighter on June 26.
The first single from the album, “Love Never Fails,” dropped recently. The song mirrors the message presented by the Apostle Paul, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, and a host of others who comprehended the true meaning of the words.
Belkin explains, “For some, it may feel a bit out of character from what The Refusers have traditionally been about, but I honestly just set out to write a song about love. The melody came to me in a dream. I get these dreams where I hear melodies in the background as if they’re on a radio. The challenge is to wake up and write it down before it disappears. With that as my foundation, I asked myself what is love? So many love songs are just about lust or other self-centered notions that pass for love these days. Physical attraction is important, yes, but if you’re gonna make a relationship work long term, you need to be patient and kind. If you have kids, another form of love happens where patience is crucial. The truth is always right there in front of us, written on the wall like graffiti. The challenge is, do we heed it and incorporate it into our lives?”
The new album, encompassing 10-tracks, merges a range of stylistic elements into tasty musical concoctions – rock, punk rock, ska, and even reggae. Theme-wise, the album takes another hard look at the disarray prevalent in America, where the divide between rich and poor is now the size of the Grand Canyon and continues to expand at an alarming rate.
A tight lead guitar gives the tune searing energy, as Belkin’s hushed husky voice glides overhead.
Speaking to the situation, Belkin says, “Today is similar to the Gilded Age in the late 19th Century where there was this huge gap between the industrialists and the factory workers who helped them make their fortunes. Things eventually changed, and then the crash of 1929 came, showing how fragile prosperity is and how the pendulum can quickly shift into hard times. Having worked on Wall Street, I was witness to the arrogance of the gold-plated hedge fund crowd and there could be a comeuppance where the scales balance because history shows how that happens. The market system is generally good but during this recent time of economic prosperity for some, the attitudes of those in the money went to hideous extremes. ‘Shame On You’ is my way of addressing how this leaves love and kindness out of the equation.”
Freedom Fighter begins with “Love Never Fails,” a dazzling alt-rock tune featuring poignant lyrics and gleaming colors. Other must-listen-to tracks include “Shame On You,” riding a bluesy rock melody reminiscent of ZZ Top, only edgier. I love the horns and oozing organ on this track, as well as the contagious pounding rhythm.
“Truth Is Treason” travels on cool reggae flavors atop a one-drop beat and skiffing guitars backed by eloquent brass discharges. A tight lead guitar gives the tune searing energy, as Belkin’s hushed husky voice glides overhead.
“Clown Show” opens on glistening guitars flowing into a coruscating muscular rock tune full of rambling, galloping Midwestern savors. Belkin’s voice takes on snarling urgency, infusing the lyrics with significance.
The final track, “Troublemaker,” incorporates yummy country-rock tangs, imbuing the song with twangy, drawling dynamics.
Freedom Fighter is excellent, delivering a variety of delectable sonic styles, infectious rhythms, and messages of great consequence.
