Anti-Flag – Acoustic Live at 11th Street

Acoustic Live at 11th Street is the first official Anti-Flag release that includes acoustic material. It’s also a live experience with only Justin Sane and Chris #2 performing the songs for a live crowd. The track list is as you’d expect composed of hits, with a focus on the most recent album, 2015’s American Spring.

Anti-Flag are very good at a couple of things, playing songs and breaking down political and social issues to name two. As it turns out, a live acoustic session is all that’s needed to really showcase these qualities. Album opener Fabled World is also the first track on American Spring, but I have to admit I like this acoustic version better. With a few chord strokes and a chorus,  the mood for the album is set. Broken Bones, Brandenburg Gate, One Trillion Dollars and Without End are some further highlights. The biggest highlight though is the way the live set and the intimate setting has been captured. The stripped down versions of the songs really are a reminder of what an excellent bunch of songwriters Anti-Flag are.

As you would imagine there is some social and political commentary. That’s what this band does, and why they’re loved by their fans. But there’s more to Anti-Flag cannon in 2015. They make jokes, talk about life, love and know how to entertain their crowd skilfully. The interaction between the band and the audience is contagious. Having two front men really makes Anti-Flag a better band.

This live album made me smile on multiple occasions and it includes some awesome acoustic punk rock tunes. It’s also a rush of nostalgia, and what’s wrong with that. My advice would be: check this out. And also: Fuck the world, fuck em all.