The (International) Noise Conspiracy

Possibly the only communist, anti-capitalist rock band on a major label makes good

INC’s new album is finally available after 18 months of label nonsense and delays. The quartet, created after the demise of Swedish hardcore agitators Refused, craft post-garage punk rock bristling with political spit and vigor; after all, they’re a self-described “revolutionary, anti-capitalist, Marxist, Communist rock band” (even if they are on a major). Their sing-along choruses and driving guitar riffs are enhanced by healthy doses of organ, horns and, yes, soul, as the band attempts to give mod a shot in the arm. At times the songs could benefit from an injection as well, but INC’s energy helps forgive any predictability in its sound.