State of Emergency
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Music
Press
A five-track CD effort (though there's a long, meandering acoustic "secret" track at the end, which clocks in at over 10 minutes of Metallica intro style baroque noodlings), of intelligent political punk, in the Bad Religion or mid-period Propagandhi style (both musically and lyrically). I dig the tunes, the attitude, and the words (hell, I'm even partial to languid acoustic guitar riffage/finger picking), and the fact they don't seem to like the Republicans or the Democrats, which makes their record dedication, "We would like to dedicate these songs to the men and women of the Armed Forces. You're fighting a war that's out of your hands" even more mystifying/disturbing on all sorts of levels. Are the wars the grunts fight ever in "their" hands? And if they are (mebbe I'm just missing a big chunk of history?), would that make the Armed Forces a good thing, then?! And at what point do those fighting the wars not of their own making have to take responsibility for their actions?! Don't get me wrong. I understand the economic draft. I've had numerous family members in the (UK and Lebanese) armed forces. But that's not cool. Or really acceptable, however understandable on some levels. Its the Armed Forces that still pulls the trigger and enforces, whether that's in Iraq or New Orleans...(RK)(www.soemusic.com) - Maximum Rock 'n Roll
Discography
2003 - "No Rules, Only Guidelines" EP
2006 - "Not In Our Name" EP
All tracks streaming on BandCamp (stateofemergency.bandcamp.com)
Photos
Bio
State of Emergency formed in January of 2000 and immediately began writing original songs inspired by Bad Religion, NoFX, Propagandhi, Less Than Jake, Metallica, and more. Since that time, State of Emergency have been rocking basements, bars, and clubs in the Chicago-, Madison-, and Milwaukee-areas with their infectious blend of punk rock and metal, and have gained a respectable, loyal following.
In 2003, they released their first EP, "No Rules, Only Guidelines." This six-song album offered a raw glimpse into the band's punk rock roots, and tracks "Defy the Defiant" and "Trophy Room" quickly became fan favorites.
After a move to Madison from Milwaukee for the majority of the band, and a lineup change that saw the departure of their original vocalist, they began hosting semi-regular house shows in the basement of their house near the University of Wisconsin campus. It was in this basement that they honed and perfected their live performance. The creative energy of that house transferred onto their self-recorded and -produced second EP, "Not in our Name", released in 2006.
Currently, after another lineup change that saw their original lead guitar player ship off to the navy, the three remaining original members have been focusing their efforts on recording their vast catalog of original songs, while at the same time playing a few shows a year.
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