Review: Leftover Crack

Leftöver Crack

Constructs of the State (Fat Wreck Chords)

UPDATE: In the intervening years since this record was first reviewed, I have to say that it has grown on me exponentially. I now think it's one of the best ska-punk records of all time—at least in the top five. (Perhaps Energy is the only LP that would chart higher on a "best of" list.) And with the election of 45, it's more relevant than ever. With any luck, we'll get a new record of of these punkers soon. If you haven't yet, add this record to your collection posthaste! —BP 12/13/17

“Don’t shoot ‘till you see the whites of their skins,” delicately opines Leftöver Crack on the second track of Constructs of the State, its first release in seven years. Obviously, subtlety was never one of the band’s strong suits, and of course, that’s part of its charm. In an atmosphere where people of color are systematically eliminated for petty offenses, radical sentiment such as this seems like an even-keeled, rational response. If nothing else, it’s pretty damn punk as fuck, which is what makes this album is so great. Even casual observers of this country have a lot to fret about—corrosive influence of religion, wealth inequality, and never ending wars (as addressed through songs like, “Archaic Subjugation,” “The War at Home,” and “System Fucked”). Musically, the ole LC doesn’t deviate much from its previous releases as it continues to perfect its blend of crust, hardcore, and ska—all of which is as catchy as it is searing. Constructs of the State is a collection of songs by a band at the creative zenith, and although it doesn’t have a lot of competition, it’s by far one of the best ska-punk records of the decade. 

More info: http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/936