Common Enemy- Living the Dream? review

Common Enemy- ‘Living the Dream?’ album review


Did the Casualties suddenly go skate punk? Did they speed their shit up and suddenly start writing mildly optimistic anthems to skate to? Nope, not yet at least. Instead, Pennsylvania natives Common Enemy released their full-length ‘Living the Dream?’. The album is absolutely immersed in 80s skater imagery and early 2000s bandana thrash, and it’s definitely a motorhead’s masterpiece; the album really should come with an eight-ball. Although I do intend to poke a considerable amount of fun at this album, it is absolutely enjoyable regardless.

For the most part, this is a partier’s album; not too much politics or sociological criticisms here, and rightly so. Positive Noise and Limp Wrist cover potential bandana thrash well enough, so a party mentality is a welcome fresh breath for me. This record is definitely typical skater bandana thrash, but it’s still worth the money. The singer sounds like Jorge from the Casualties with his sometimes indecipherable, Ritalin-laced screaming. This is the norm for this genre, however, and he manages to keep it interesting. The guitar shreds as any good thrashy band’s guitar should, grinding to the tune of the skateboards the band rides. The rhythm section is top-notch, as the bass and drums are on perfect synchronization with the rest of the band. There’s not a lot to complain about or get mega-excited about. Are these guys the next big national act to look out for and plan your week around? Probably not, but if they’re in town, they put on a hell of a show. This is a highly enjoyable album to be primarily enjoyed on a board or a bike. Much like the Casualties, it’s a bit rough to listen to the album all the way through more than twice or so, but still, there lies many a gem on this album and that’s what makes it worth getting. The artwork alone is enough to make the album worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for a pretty apeshit circle pit when these guys come to town.

-Aunty Social