The (International) Noise Conspiracy offer ten punk slash 70’s rock protest tracks that are skilfully created and produced yet lack depth and distinctiveness. 'Armed Love', T(I)NC’s follow-up to 'A New Morning, Changing Weather' (2001), rehashes their innate revolutionary nature (in 2001 they went to protest against the European Union and George Bush meeting in Gothenburg, then played a free concert).
Rick Rubin, who produced albums for Slayer, System of a Down and Red Hot Chili Peppers, has given the band more musical coercion, as relayed by bassist Inge Johansson. “He took us places we hadn’t been before musically.”
The problem with T(I)NC’s efforts is that they are a self-proclaimed “protest” band that hasn’t created enough significant, original music to date. Legends John Lennon and Bob Marley established careers on amazing music and potent song-writing, then with the world’s attention, dispatched their views to an eagerly waiting public. All of T(I)NC’s radio-friendly ideologies can be summed up in one short sweet line by Lennon; "war is over if you want it.” The record’s lyrical muscle lies on silly incessant phrases like "the times are changing" and our "time is now", and "let it begin tonight we’ll win". Without wanting to devalue the importance of their uplifting message, it must be said that there is little new and exciting about their music. If we’re going to rally around a musical personality to stick it to the world’s governments, could someone please call up Noel Gallagher, or perhaps Anthony Kiedis?
On an album where every song has an anti-government agenda, only two tracks (‘Communist Moon’ and ‘Like a Landslide’) prove them to be more than just mindless pop protest. To their credit, ‘Communist Moon’ is a potential rock anthem and damn fine work, but an unexpected climax track cannot make up for an otherwise bland album. T(I)NC is a good rock band that needs to specify more issues to find greatness.
The (International) Noise Conspiracy are:
Dennis Lyxzén (Vocals)
Lars Strömberg (Guitar/Vocals)
Inge Johansson (Bass)
Ludvig Dahlberg (Drums)
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