PropagandhiVictory Lap

Thirty-plus years into an incredible, storied career, Propagandhi are taking a Victory Lap. Hell, they deserve it—they’re still the best band Fat Wreck has ever put out who have maintained an awe-inspiring musical and ethical consistency, all while being some of the nicest people in the music business. But where compatriots of a similar vintage are running victory laps by farting out records that fulfill contractual obligations that often end up sounding like Dorian Gray picking up a guitar, Propagandhi have approached their twilight years with good humour, integrity and a sonic palette that makes Victory Lap feel like the next chapter in their story, not just an ill-advised epilogue.

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From the nods to Cannuck demi-gods Rush on When All Your Fears Collide, or the Minutemen at their most enjoyably didactic on Lower Order (A Good Laugh), Propagandhi here are showcasing an enviable dexterity. With the bombastic dynamics of their beloved 80s cheese metal and the principled ferocity of Reagan-era hardcore thrown into the mix, the quartet makes a firm case for their continued existence. In fact, Victory Lap showcases just about everything you could want to hear from Propagandhi, except, you know, all the skate punk.

It’s how well all these styles coalesce on Victory Lap, with some biting dad jokes (see Comply/Resist) and an attention to detail, both musically and lyrically, that makes relistens essential. This heady and powerful record showcases a band that’s still fighting the good fight, and not due for a victory lap any time soon.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Lower Order (A Good Laugh), Failed Imagineer, Tartuffe
STICK THIS NEXT TO: The Dirty Nil, Blacklisted, Bad Religion