To avoid clichés I decided not to open the review with something about the name of the band, but of course after the election of Obama it’s something you can’t get around. However, the band was formed late 2005 when it wasn’t even announced yet Obama was going to give the presidentship a go. The band thought America needed a change and they “could not think of nothing more indictative of change in a racist, soulless system than a Black President”. Shortly after forming the group, Roy Mayorga and Greg Hetson decided to leave the band. The fact that drummer Mayorga was being replaced by Lagwagon’s Dave Raun could only turn out into something interesting.

 

Black President is one of those bands who didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s rolling nicely! Fast, catchy and melodic punk rock, a slight hint of street punk every now and then, a bit of hardcore and some Bad Religion influences. Singer Christian Martucci has a very diverse voice, ranging from clean singing to intense screams, being backed by bassist Jason to create some ultra catchy moments or a hardcore vibe like in ‘Who Do You Trust?’ Eleven straight forward punk rock songs and a cover from Alice Cooper called ‘Elected’ to finish off the album.

 

Like I said it’s definitely not something revolutionary but if you like bands such as Bad Religion, Anti-Flag and Pennywise it’s worth checking out. If you don’t, you’re not missing out on anything… Black President is a decent punkrock record, just how we like it, but don’t expect anything more!