EP Review: Radio89 – ‘System Works For Them’

It’s no secret that some of the best music comes from times of political uncertainty, in that spirit  Orlando, FL’s Radio89 released their latest three track EP “System Works For Them” at the start of the month via A Jam Records. It can have only been coincidence that the “System Works For Them” EP was released on the day that Donald Trump decided to escalate world conflict by ordering the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, it would have been relevant anyway, but given the precarious state of the world in the wake of recent events this is now a release that’s more relevant than the majority of mainstream news channels.

‘One Nation Overdosed‘ is a hardcore blast that ends with the mantra “the bodycount rises”, this is followed by the EP’s title track, a straight up hit of melodic hardcore that comes across as a split between the harder end of The Offspring‘s output and Pennywise‘s finest moments, that delivers a positive message about building a future free from oppression and control. If you needed evidence of the relevance of the “System Works For Them” then the EP’s crowning glory ‘US Certified Hypocrite‘ provides it, 

Radio89 have delivered a call to arms to kick start 2020, “System Works For Them” contains three blistering and scathing cuts of of political punk rock that slice right through the bullshit and rhetoric, punk rock has always been a voice of protest and Radio89 are amongst the first on the barricades in 2020. As someone once wrote “if you think punk rock doesn’t mix with politics, you’re wrong” and the “System Works For Them” EP is living breathing proof of that. Get yourself a download, or stream via your digital service provider of choice, share the message and play it loud.

You can stream and purchase “System Works For Them“ via Bandcamp here

Radio89 can be found on Facebook and Instagram