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The self-titled debut EP from the Philadelphia punk trio The National Rifle is a politically-charged, high-energy effort. Often stuffed with tongue-in-cheek, anthemic lyrics, the EP's sobering messages are delivered in what can only be described as "slogans" rather than hooks. Not only is every song catchy enough to be stuck in the listener's head, but the sound bites are yelled with such conviction and emotion that it is difficult to dismiss them without examining the issues raised. Opening with "I guess your career is worth it, I guess your third home is worth it," guitarist and vocalist Hugh leads the way in a tirade against capitalism, materialism, and every other expectation that comes along with the American dream. Despite that it is always refreshing to hear such ideas in radio-friendly music, it is easy to argue that such ideas are simply cloned from too many listens of Rage Against the Machine. However, there is much more substance to their message when they speak of what could be the definitive drive of middle-class contentment, "We'll never riot because... we'll all be rich one day. It happens all the time." By constantly shifting the target of their criticism, their frustration is shown to be both legitimate and more refined than that of many other bands with similar messages. Perhaps this stems from their own experience in the music industry. After formerly being under contract with an independent label and using the services of a management team that once represented pop singer Pink - possibly the quintessential 'rebel girl' image, The National Rifle felt that there were "creative restraints" influencing their writing. By breaking ties with their label and management, and thus releasing The National Rifle independently, the group has done the first step in practicing its own message. It is gratifying to see that a group that believes it has a rebellious message is actually doing more than simply showing off the clothes and the snarl to go along with the image.

The National Rifle at Amazon & Insound