Artist: Capdown Album: Civil Disobedients

Year: 2000
Duration: 46:29

Capdown’s Civil Disobedients: A Critical Review of the Album

If you’re a fan of the punk-rock-ska style, you might have heard of the band Capdown. Formed in 1997, the band hails from Milton Keynes, UK, and has been a prominent figure in the UK punk scene. Their music style blends punk with ska, reggae, and hardcore, making their sound unique and exciting. One of the band’s most notable releases is the 2000 album, Civil Disobedients. In this blog post, we’ll be critically reviewing the album, discussing the band’s history, the music genre, the best songs, and the innovative parts of the album.

Capdown began in the mid-90s as a three-piece band, and later added more members, including a trumpet player. Their first album, which was self-titled, was released in 1999. The album gained praise from critics and fans, and the band started to tour festivals, notably opening the Reading festival. The success of their first album led to the release of Civil Disobedients, which signaled the band’s unique sound, a mixture of fast-paced punk rock infused with ska.

Civil Disobedients is a musical masterpiece, with the band’s knack for addictive melodies and anthemic choruses. The opening track, “Pound for the Sound,” sets the tone for the album. The song announces Capdown as a band not afraid to experiment with genres, with horns blaring and fast drums and bass. Other highlights from the album include “Surviving the Death of a Genre,” with its reggae influence, and “Kained but Able,” which is laced with catchy hooks and skacore beats.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is how the band can blend lyrics of social consciousness with their music, a critical element of punk rock. The album’s title itself speaks of the group’s political stance, challenging listeners to take a stand politically, economically, and culturally. The band tackles different social issues on the album, including child labor and government corruption.

It’s essential to note that the album was well-received by critics, with AllMusic describing it as “a maelstrom of punk, ska, reggae, and hardcore, all delivered with the conviction of hardened veterans.” However, it’s not without its flaws. The production quality of the album could have been better, which gave some recordings a raw sound. Additionally, some tracks on the album felt like filler tracks; however, it didn’t take away from the album’s overall quality.

In conclusion, Civil Disobedients is a fantastic album that shows off the best of Capdown’s sound. With their unique blend of punk rock infused with ska, reggae, and hardcore, the band showcases their creativity and versatility. The album’s highlights, including “Pound for the Sound” and “Kained but Able,” are a must-listen for music fans who love explosive melodies and memorable hooks. While the production quality impacts some recordings on the album, it’s not enough to detract from the album’s overall enjoyment. Ultimately, Civil Disobedients is a timeless piece of punk rock history that should have a spot on your playlist.