Antillectual, Testimony
2008, No Reason / Fond of Life / Rise or Rust / Infected / Shield / Youth Way

Review by: ThomPunkAheaddotcom

9/10

This album proves why this band are one of Europe's leading punk bands, but it also has me questioning whether or not the best? Personally, though, I can't label one band as the best because Europe's got too many good bands, but this release is certainly one of the best. Among the message carried, the power and superlative passion, they deserve a medal for the effort put in.

Antillectual's always been a keen advocate of bringing along book distros on tours — a regular thing, be sure to see if they're in your area anytime. The booklet included with the CD offers explanations on each song's meaning and helps you realise the strength of lyrics, each providing commentary on political issues, clichés in societies, personal philosophies… It's as if you've been handed a book you want more of with a CD that couldn't be more fitting. Perhaps a stereotypical pessimistic young outlook? Personally, I disagree.

Now, musically (as i'm not writing a review of a book) it seems everything couldn't be more fitting. Their previous full-length Silencing Civilization was good — however, a touch repetitive. Testimony solves that issue offering incredible variation whilst within the boundaries of the unique sound Antillectual have created themselves. Each song provides a different tone whilst portraying a message with a fitting sound be it positive, agressive or even heartfelt passion.

The production also has to be complimented hitting the nail on the head perfectly; having its own unique sound aiding the progression of their passion onto the individual listening, the CD mentions three people involved with mastering and production — I'm not sure who was ultimately responsible — and either way this couldn't have come out sounding better.

Kicking off with the album titled track "Testimony" exploding around you, you're pleasantly decieved with a slow-down a little over halfway through, something you'd expect at the end of an album. The contrast of the piano part to the gruff yet highly melodic and aggressive part, Antillectual provide a stark contrast to their message: 9/11 versus the fall of the Iron Curtain; the beginning of 'an ideological vacuum.'

The explosive "bodies slashed apart, into pieces" introduction of "Friendly Fire" demands answers. The passion held within holds similarities to Propagandhi, as mentioned with their previous full-length; however, the approach is a more melodic European sounding one. Adhesive were loved by many, considered one of the best punk rock bands out of Europe and the comparisons between Antillectual and Adhesive are high – compare the intro of "The Dog Ate It" to Adhesive's "Dividing Lines"; spooky.

I imagine Antillectual are still pretty unknown to many, which is why I feel like I have to mention an overall comparison. Previously I compared Antillectual to "a cross between Propagandhi, Hot Water Music and finally Rise Against" and some others mentioned Strike Anywhere. This isn't really like any other band, which is why it's so damn good. Testimony certainly likens the band to Propagandhi and Hot Water Music.

For me, this release has solidified their sound and uniqueness. It's not like so and so from USA and so and so from Canada — this is Antillectual from Nijmegen, Netherlands playing fucking awesome punk rock and I could happily listen to this album a million times.

The New Scheme issue 17

Antillectual
Waves 7”

Antillectual are from Nijmegen, Netherlands. Waves was released to coincide with their US tour this past summer. They pack six songs onto this 7”, three new songs on the A-side and three from their last full length on side B. The first song especially sounds like the second Propagandhi record, with angry vocals and melodic guitars. The second song, “Sponsorship For Life” is downright catchy, without being repetitive or obvious. It’s probably my favorite here, with gruff (but still on key) vocal lines that are well written and delivered energetically. The rest of the songs find a middleground between the two sounds, collecting influences from mid-90’s anthemic punk and more recent melodic hardcore. All six songs are well constructed, leaning heavily on familiar influences without ever sounding too much like any one band.
Part of me sees this record as naïve, quaint or novel. In reality, it’s none of the above. It’s a genuinely heartfelt collection of six engaging punk rock songs. They are packed onto the record in a way that makes the vinyl sound a bit like the 50th listen on the second time through. And for Antillectual, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Anderson]
Square Of Opposition

Let me be clear from the start: Antillectual is one of the best Dutch punk rock bands around. The band proves that with their album Testimony. It is not only furious fast melodic punk but from time to time the band likes to slow things down. Antillectual sticks to DIY-principles and demonstrates that you can make both a good sounding record (the production is once again wonderful) and travel around the world with your band as long as you know how to arrange things well. And for the sake of change this is a band with a (socio-political) message. Punk as fuck as they say. And on top of that Fuckin’ good.

- No minus
+ Everything is just what the doctor ordered

MT

Antillectual, Waves

Friday May 02nd, 2008
Square of Opposition, 2007
Author: Michael

Score: 7.5 / 10

Straightforward hardcore/punk. That is what The Netherlands' Antillectual offers up on Waves. This 7” features three new songs and three songs from their previous full-length.Antillectual serves up fast-paced hardcore punk with melody streamlined into the songs' structures. Musically I'd compare them to Strike Anywhere or Rise Against, but with a more coarse vocal delivery. The three new songs are a bit more melodic than those of their previous recording. One thing that is consistent is the social-political consciousness that is found in the lyrics.The only downfall to these songs is that they're already a year old as the recording was originally released to coincide with their U.S. tour last Summer. The good news is that Antillectual just released a brand new full-length in Europe. Hopefully someone wises up and releases it in the states. If not, time to import!

Antillectual – Testimony
Rise Or Rust Records
2008

YES! Finally the Netherlands' best punkrock band has released a full length record again! Except for a 7" in 2005 ANTILLECTUAL haven't released anything in the last two years. Therefore it is such a nice surprise that they are back again with a new record called "Testimony" which starts with an incredible goodopening track. Straight in your face with important content, that's what ANTILLECTUAL have always been about. But on "Testimony" they took a step further: The guitar sound is even more powerful which is quite extraordinary if you consider the fact that there is only one guitarist who also sings by the way. Actually you would think of ANTILLECTUAL as a five piece band rather than a 3 piece one but those Dutch boys are able to create their own innovative sound without having a lot of guest musicians.

There is everything from interestingly composed midtempo- and powerful uptempo HC/punk songs on this record. In addition to that you can realize how much effort has been put in the hymn-like and melodic touch of the sound, which is perfect. The fact that all band members do the vocals puts an extra emphasis on the really well conceived lyrics. There is something that grips you when listening to the record, quite similar to the feeling when listening to PROPAGANDHI, TRAGEDY or STRIKE ANYWHERE classics or the first time, a feeling that never stops: you just want to get out and change the world! What ANTILLECTUAL also accomplishes with every track on the record: To create every single part in such an interesting way that you wouldn't want to hear that as background noise because there is just so much more behind all this. Take "The dog ate it!" as a piece of advice for listening. What's also great about this is the fact that even punk rockers can lay amazing solos.

CONCLUSION: Not only have ANTILLECTUAL chosen the right labels (Rise or Rust Records – AUT, Fond of Life – GER, No Reason – ITA and more) for the release of heir second full length: they have also presented one of the best melody-hardcore-punkrock records of 2008 – only in March!! We hope those guys play some shows in Austria soon: great guys and even greater record.

(Florin)

8 /10

Antillectual from the Netherlands are the antithesis of their band name. This young band, who just released their second album, not only packed a lyrics sheet into the splendidly looking digipak, but they also explain the background of every song, which is a good idea, as it makes you understand their motivations much better. Ranging from the personal to the political, I mostly agree with their points of view, although at times they are a little to radical for me. In my opinion, it rarely is ok to smash windows and throw bricks (On Its Own), and by accusing Al Gore of making money out of Global Warming (Waste = Food), they may have a point, but Al Gore opened the eyes of more people than a DIY punk band ever will.

Musically, the album is bookmarked by two slower and longer songs, the four minute opener Testimony which has some nice piano parts, and the seven minute closer I Hope You Got My Letter. In between Antillectual attack with short but surprisingly melodic punk rock songs. The vocals are shared by the three members of the band and sound raw, charismatic and to the point. Their technical capacities on their instruments are just as perfect, and it’s great how filled their songs are despite them only being a three-piece. Most of the times, they sound like a Europeanised Strike Anywhere, but the melodic I Hate Myself When I Shave Myself shows them from a mellower side.

Testimony is more than just a very good album. It’s a labour of love, with songs that are not merely entertainment, but which also carry a message which is definitely important to the band. To make it easier to get the album, it’s been released on different labels in different countries: Fond Of Life (Germany), Infected (Portugal), No Reason (Italy), Rise Or Rust (Austria), Shield (Netherlands) and Youth Way (France). Furthermore, instead of putting a copyright on their music, they released Testimony under the Creative Commons licence, which makes it legal to burn your own copies. What better way to spread your message?

taken from: disagreement.net  

The Nijmegen and Arnhem based Antillectual is possibly Holland’s hardest working punkrock band. Even before the release of their debut album “Silencing Civilization” in 2005 the band frequently performed live. After that release endless tours through Europe and the USA followed. The frequent playing caused Antillectual’s growth from a band that reproduced Propagandhi, Rise Against, Strike Anywhere and Hot Water Music, to a determined, politically aware punkrock machine.

The album “Testimony” forms solid proof of this evolution. The ten songs are full of authentic passion, frustration and social engagement. The pace is, due to the input of newcomer Riekus (drums), overall high-tempo. But through the frequent use of slower passages and breaks from the opening track “Testimony” also excels as a dynamic album. This makes it possible for songs like “I Hate Myself When I Shave Myself”, in which the punk scene is criticized, to stroll on, while the band erupts in favorite “Friendly Fire”.

The proof of Antillectual having the right punk ethics derives from the lyrics and liner notes accompanying them. Those discuss issues ranging from the change of the climate to the commercialization of the world and political engagement. Only downsides are the at some points quick transitions and distorted screams.

WOUTER DIELESEN

Oor nr. 3, April 2008

Antillectual is the only Dutch DIY band, besides No Turning Back, that is willing to take that next step in music. Touring constantly across the globe to spread their music and message, these three guys from Nijmegen and Arnhem wholeheartedly dedicate their lives to this band. Where most bands try it, Antillectual does it and makes it look really easy.

“This is or testimony of the things we see happening around us and we do not agree upon”

This line is taken from the explanation of the opening track “Testimony” (a Boysetsfire-esque intro song) and pretty much sums up the lyrical content of this record. Some isssues they adress, like war, feminism and broken promises, are more important than others (“scene” issues or corporate advertising) but all lyrics are spot on and written with sincerety. And sincerity is the basis of all great things. Every song is explained to make sure that you know what they are singing and screaming about.

In comparing “Testimony” with “Silencing Civilization”, one is struck by the musical progress since that time. Dynamic changes, intelligent songwriting, richly colored melodies. A true parade of different punk rock styles. Being a conservative prick when it comes to punk rock music, I’m losing my head over songs like “Sponsorship for life” and “Benefit of the doubt”. Unbelievable! But all the pieces work extremely well together even though the ending can be a bit of challenge due to the length of both the song “I hope you got my letter” and the Shawshank Redemption sample.

A Sturm und Drang approach to political punk rock is certainly not unique but proves to be the most memorable. It should be no suprise that fans of Propagandhi and Strike Anywhere will do themselves a huge favor by checking out this uncanny record.

Rating: 4,5 out of 5

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Angry Youth
Review by: ThomPunkAheaddotcom

This band should be a popular one with Orgcore punkers though probably will be unknown due to their location being the Netherlands. Across Europe they're getting better known with the three of them touring regularly; however, they toured across the eastern USA last summer with across-the-pond friends Static Radio.

Now, if you know the Indecision Alarm, that will help, as these guys are very similar playing gruff-ish, speedy, melodic and aggressive punk rock. The Indecision Alarm aren't that well-known either, so for people still in the dark, this is a cross between Propagandhi, Hot Water Music and finally Rise Against.

Having three DIY EPs prior to this release the band have been able to really mature their sound; Antillectual have acquired their own individual sound and for a three-piece they can make themselves heard. The band fit perfectly into the current European punk rock revival with this Hot Water Music-Propagandhi style leading it this time; Antillectual arguably are in first place currently and still have a lot of energy in them.

One of the biggest problems with the album is comical, to put it best, with the intro of the first track immediately resembling Propagandhi 's "A Speculative Fiction." Rip-off? Not unless they have a time machine because Silencing Civilization was released 8 months before Potemkin City Limits.

It's a real shame that this style doesn't get the attention it deserves with it becoming the common European sound now and is invigorating combining such great melodies with quality punk rock. I promise you that listening to this you will enjoy it in some way, "Because We Can (Afford It)," featuring a first-class solo, to top things off sums the album up best. Passionate music like this where you can listen and feel great, yourself rising in parallel to the brilliance has to be responded to with positive passion.

Well shove your tradition up your ass and i hope you like it
yeah fuck your homophobia it is about time to accept it

Touching on homophobia, border policy, politics and other matters, the band has plenty to say and don't say it lightly. Real passion tied in with speed works wonders in emphasizing your point. The anger Antillectual derive throughout the album isn't missed with each song arguing a message and their beliefs superbly. Quality speed in "Bad Company (No Globalisation Without Representation)" echoes distant sounds of the previous primary Euro-punk sound — skatepunk (which is not dead, just on vacation), and a similar setting for "Originator" combining speed with melody creating the dark, agressive yet optimistic atmosphere.

It's like these guys have experienced everything in punk rock leading the current Euro main brand of punk rock but adding `90s skatepunk as well as a more older, simplistic style of hardcore punk. Antillectual have something every punk enthusiast will enjoy whilst limiting their style to not have too open boundaries.

Over time, however, I find myself slipping with the music slightly falling into itself. Some people will love this style for a long time but I, on the other hand, seem to grow tired of it after some time and lose interest in the final tracks. Combining this with the present outlook, this new wave could become stale real quick if multiplied so much with new bands, which seems to have been the common fault with the past waves of punk rock. The future shall answer that though; I know with Antillectual's new music I have been more interested.

Overall, ten tracks in 28 minutes seems to regularly be a good indication of whether you have a punk rock album in your hands and Antillectual sure don't disappoint as well as providing it. Super melodic combining and aggressive yet supportedly passionate, fair-paced punk rock — the ingredients for a great CD.

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This highly anticipated second album from this band, which hails from Holland since 2000, is a piece of good Punk-Rock, with hardcore riffs and catchy chorus, which will knock you down!

With the lyrics focused on both political and personal issues, the themes talk about war/anti-war, trends and commercialism! Musically speaking, the production is very good, the guitar is really cool and melodic, and the drums are powerful!

This is a band that does the walk instead of doing the talk, I can see! And we don't have too much of this today! Be sure to listen to this folks and grab a copy!

My favorite tracks are "Friendly Fire" and "Sponsorship For Life", which shows the two sides of the album. Great!

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