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Album reviews Music

D.O.A. – We Come In Peace

D.O.A. play Lee’s Palace Friday (October 12). See listing. Rating: NNN


If you have even a passing familiarity with Canadian punk pioneers D.O.A., you’re not going to be surprised by much on the 14th studio album of their 35-year career. In fact, they sound more like a classic punk band now than they did back in their more overtly hardcore days in the 80s. There are musical nods to the reggae rock of the Clash and Stiff Little Fingers, and at other points they seem to be digging even further back to the trashy proto-punk glam of the New York Dolls. Hell, they even do a Beatles cover, albeit an amped-up version of Revolution (of course).

Lyrically, Joey “Shithead” Keithley is still raging against the right wing and oppression in general, but We Come In Peace is primarily a fun romp designed for slam dancing and shouting along. They’re threatening that this might be their last album, since Keithley is trying to get back into politics as an NDP candidate, which might explain why so many high-profile guests are on board: Jello Biafra, Billy Talent’s Ben Kowalewicz, and the Headstones’ Hugh Dillon all contribute vocals. What’s surprising is the number of tracks featuring acoustic guitar. Perhaps Keithley is considering becoming a folk singer if politics doesn’t work out for him?

Top track: He’s Got A Gun

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