It’s no secret that I think D.O.A were, are, and always will be one of the greatest punk rock wrecking machines to have ever emerged from, and been let loose on the scene, so if it reads like I’m blowing smoke up their collective backside, there’s a good reason for it. It’s because I am.  More than just about any other band, they changed my life, as their music, lyrics, and philosophy – talk minus action equals zero, helped me to understand that autonomy, individual responsibility, and playing the long game were, and, are, key to changing the world for the better.  

D.O.A have always walked it like they talked it and their approach to everything that they have, and continue to do, and were, are, and always will be an inspirational force for good. And given the line-up of bands on No Escape From What You Are (the title, as I’m sure all of you hip and happening folks know is taken from the lyrics of D.O.A.’s self-titled anthem) showing their respect for Canada’s premiere punk rock export by covering a blistering bunch of their sing-a-long anthems, I’m not the only one that Joe Keithley and his comrades in arms inspired to do and to be, better. 

There isn’t a bad track on this tribute, I mean how could there be when the basic framework borrows heavily from D.O.A. ‘s incredible arsenal? Whether it’s M.D.C.’s take on America the Beautiful, Rancid’s version of Waiting For You, Propagandhi blitzing their way through Fuck You, the Circle Jerks focusing their inner turmoil on The Enemy, FEAR smashing New Age apart, Voi Vod’s surprisingly authentic take on World War 3, War on Women’s anger drenched Liar for Hire, Duff Makagan’s fantastically furious, jaw-dropping romp through The Prisoner or any of the other tracks and bands on No Escape…, this tribute to D.O.A. is an enduring, authentic and powerful testament to the band’s incredible musical legacy. You don’t want this record, you NEED it. It’s that simple. Tim Cundle

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