Production – 3.8/5 * Engineering – 5/5 * Overall – 4.5/5
“Transgender Dysphoria Blues” is the latest release from rock band, Against Me! With the recent coming out of lead singer, Laura Jane Grace (formerly Tom Gabel), the album itself reflects transgender struggles and lives up to its name. All in all, a great rock record that goes back to the heavy roots that Against Me! is known for.
Follow Against Me!:
Website: AgainstMe.net
Facebook: Against Me!
Twitter: @LauraJaneGrace
KEY:
(2 tapes = Meh)
(3 tapes = Good)
(4 tapes = Really Good)
(5 tapes = Awesome)
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TRACKLIST
1. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues”
In true Against Me! fashion, this song is a refreshing blend of rock, aggressive vocals, and lyrics that reflect the innermost feelings of now Laura Jane Grace. The punchy and powerful drum intro reminds me of “Pints of Guinness Make You Strong” from their first record a while back. From the steady drums to the distorted, yet simple guitar chords, the energy carried out in this song is something that hasn’t been a part of Against Me!’s sound since “Searching For A Former Clarity”, and I love every minute of it.
2. “True Trans Soul Rebel”
After hearing this song acoustically since the fall, from the site-only EP, “True Trans”, it is great to hear it with the rest of the instruments. Honestly I can’t imagine it turning out any better than it has! A nice blend of rough guitar tones and essence from their “White Crosses” record, the lyrics scream out the daily life and struggle of a transsexual, and the guitars and drums compliment it perfectly. Obviously Laura has more freedoms in writing than any of her previous records as Tom Gabel, and it shows how happy she now is through the lyrics she sings in this song. One of my favorites!
3. “Unconditional Love”
This song immediately reminded me of that of a Dropkick Murphy’s song; complete with gang vocals and aggressive crunchy distortion. A bit of organized chaos, on first impression, this song is similar to that of “Animal” (from “New Wave”) in that you’re not sure which direction it’ll go next. This song captures the energy perfectly reminiscent of Dropkick Murphy’s record, “Blackout”, and keeps you on your toes the entire way.
4. “Drinking With The Jocks”
Leaning more towards the sound of “Miami” from the “Searching For A Former Clarity” record, the vocal display on this song is in your face and doesn’t care if you like it or not. One of their heaviest songs to date, it is raw to the core with distorted, meaty guitar riffs, and drums that pound against the floor. Another reminder of the Dropkick sound, this is surely mosh-pit worthy, pure rock and roll.
5. “Obama Bin Laden As The Crucified Christ”
I love the guitar effects on this song’s intro; it’s very 80’s inspired. The deep bass line cuts through everything else as it goes into the classic rock energy Against Me! is known for. Though Against Me! has shied away from their political songs in recent records, this one is direct, and doesn’t care or not if you agree. I love the attacking nature of the lyrics, and though I wish it had been produced a little better, it probably makes for a great song to play and experience live.
6. “FuckMyLife666”
Another song I’m familiar with from the acoustic versions heard earlier, this song comes together beautifully electronically. Catchy, melodic, and gritty, the lyrics reflect friendships lost and the pain that goes along with it, and the guitar breakdowns make this one of the best songs so far on the record in my opinion. More on the pop side, this song is a perfect bridge for what’s to come next in “Dead Friend” and is straight and to the point.
7. “Dead Friend”
Morbid to the core, Laura sings with passion (as she does with every song), and you feel her pain through the microphone as she talks about her…well dead friend. The lyrics speak to life after death in a coffin, and the memories that come with life lost. Another great catchy tune, the heartache is felt with each word, and can act as an anthem for anyone who has lost a loved one.
8. “Two Coffins”
Another song about death and dying, this one speaks to a happier side where two people love in life and death. A change of pace from the rest of the songs, the acoustic guitar and light drumming captures the energy and sadness perfectly. In my opinion this song lacks the power lyrically that is displayed in the previous songs, but none-the-less still a great song.
9. “Paralytic States”
With energy similar to that of “Bitter Divisions” from White Crosses, I am immediately drawn to the pretty guitar riff and drum build-up. Laura’s vocals sound the best they’ve ever sounded on this record, and they exude a new confidence and passion. The lyrics speak to the struggles of transgender life, and unexpected relationships that go along with it. Though I don’t think this is the greatest song on the record, it is very well done.
10. “Black Me Out”
Hands down one of my favorite Against Me! songs ever. I have been highly anticipating the electric version of this song, and it’s everything I imagined and more. The hard-hitting drums and guitar riffs compliment the lyrics and energy Laura sings in perfectly. It’s heavy, catchy, and traditional AM! style. Most definitely one of the best songs they’ve written, and a classic finish to a great record.
