I saw Refused at the FYF fest three years ago, and they were absolutely terrifying, I mean their fans were and the result was not only a very chaotic scene but also an apocalyptic vision at the end of their set. I had never stepped on so many lost wallets, broken glasses, and trashed shoes in my life, there were layers and layers of sediments of human waste and it was impressive.
The Swedish punk band is back with a new album called ‘Freedom’, out June 30th, and the Guardian website has shared a new track called ‘Françafrique’. Now, Refused have always been highly politicized, they have always incorporated anarchist, radical left and anti-capitalist ideas and lyrics in their music, and this time is no exception, as they are vehemently denouncing French colonialism!
The song is loud and explosive and there’s screaming, but it has an almost rock bluesy tone, with a catchy chorus, and I don’t hear hardcore at all, instead it is building tension and anger to ‘exterminate the brutes’… for about 4 minutes… the last punk hardcore kids are gonna be disappointed, unless this song reminds them something Rage Against the Machine could have done? well, as long as Refused doesn’t sound like U2 while singing about Africa, they’re gonna be alright.
But please I know that French imperialism was awful and very good at destroying Africa, but it’s the Belgians who took Congo! And what about English colonization? Never existed. right?
According to vocalist Dennis Lyxzén, in this album, they are ‘talking about politics, existential issues and what we wanted to present as a band in 2015. We talked about the political situation in Europe, capitalism and how it affects people.’
Think what you want about punk band reunions, this is another one we can’t escape from.