Fate Of The Union [LP] (Colored Vinyl)

Noi!se - Fate Of The Union [LP] (Colored Vinyl)

In the decade since their last studio LP, longrunning Pacific Northwest streetpunk resolutes NOi!SE have been prolific, releasing enough singles, EPs, compilation appearances, and more to fill the collection LP On and On. Nevertheless, the band's many international fans have continued to clamor for an all-new full length, and in 2026, the band delivers just that in the form of Fate of the Union on Pirates Press Records. For the band's long awaited third LP, NOi!SE has a new lineup that brings a revitalized energy to the studio proceedings. Brand new to the band are the rhythm section of bassist Aaron Williams and drummer Mike Parker. Longtime primary singer/songwriter Matt Henson is of course on lead vocals, and returning for the first time since the band's early work such as the Rising Tide EP is the dual guitar attack of Justin Miller & Kenny Dirkes! The result is 10 songs of the kind of hard-hitting but thoughtful punk rock that has made the band a favorite with audiences worldwide. If NOi!SE's goals can be put simply, they include both energizing listeners with the music, and encourag ing putting that energy into thought, discussion, and action via the lyrics. Lead single "Vast Contrast" is a perfect example. Directly addressing listeners, the song encourages critical thinking about the narratives fed to the public by those in power - especially those who encourage working class people to make others the target of hatred for their own ends. These thought provoking and direct lyrics are accompa nied by catchy but intricate guitar work and a rhythmic engine that drives the energy of the song ever forward. Meanwhile, "You Versus You" is even more personal, articulating hard truths from lived experience about the self-destructive habits that one forms seeking escapism, only to perpetuate the cycle of misery, or "the romanticism of catastrophe." The song concludes that only through a conscious choice can the person living through them rise above these dead-end cycles. Here again the song's powerful message is matched by expert playing, as the band is firing on all cylinders throughout. And thus the album plays out, with thought-provok ing reflections on the personal, the political, and most often, the cross section of both, where people have to live, set to some of the band's best music to date. To put the final call to action in place, the album closes with an all-new recording of "Idle Action," which, despite being the band's signature song, has never appeared on a studio full length. The new recording by the new iteration of NOi!SE sounds vital, energized, and ready to inspire the fight for change - in the world at large and in people's hearts & minds. Listeners will find that both the ideas and the riffs on this record will be stuck in their head long after listening! TRACK LIST: SIDE A 01. Vast Contrast 02. You Versus You 03. Mindful Confinement 04. Fate of the Union 05. Ever Afraid SIDE B 06. This Isn't Home 07. Media Alchemy 08. Strength in Numbers 09. Blinded by Hatred 10. Idle Action