CD reviews: Desaparecidos

This vehicle for Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst's power-punk alter ego last delivered an album in 2002, and since then it seems he's been building up a head of steam.

His band fires up for a subtlety-be-damned volley against racial profiling, the abuse of immigrants, corporate greed, and Big Brother-style government tactics, positioning itself proudly on the outer left.

The sentiments are laudable and the writing strong.

Trouble is, the belligerently aggressive guitar assault and desperately emotional shouting leave you too punch-drunk to care, as much as you feel you should.

• Desaparecidos. Payola. Epitaph Records.

Two and a half stars (out of five)

Single download: City On The Hill
For those who like: The Few, Bad Religion, Green Day

- Jeff Harford

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