The opening song of the set 11/15/08 at the Beat Kitchen in Chicago:
Some info on the band:Punk statesman Vic Bondi returns, more pissed than ever!
Vic Bondi has been known for his aggressive writing style since his days of being in the legendary hardcore bands Articles Of Faith and Alloy, but to hear a record this pissed into his 20-plus years is fucking amazing. Report Suspicious Activity was originally conceived as a solo endeaqvor, but after entering the studio with recording wizard J. Robbins, it began to take a life of its own. Soon Robbins was recruited on the bass, as was Darren Zentek, former drummer for the legendary Kerosene 454. The result is this: a completely angry and amazing record with probably the best rhythm section that could ever be thought of. An absolutely brilliant sounding recording (from Robbins of course) with a full-out band vibe instead of a solo project. The songs on this release are a distinct reflection of the times and Vics complete discontent with the politics that are tarnishing Americas name. Who could blame him for being so pissed? But this isnt just a political hardcore record: there is a sense of melody and honesty that is lacking in music these days. This isnt your typical three-chord punk: the songwriting is truly inspiring (check out Guantanamo and you will see what I mean).
I had a discussion a while back with a friend about how hopefully some good punk music would at least come out of whats happening in the world right now kind of like what happened back in the 1980s. I have to say this record really hits the nail on the head. Listen to this music, put your fist in the air, and scream along! Red, White, and Bullshit!!!
An article in Boston Weekly Dig
From Utter Trash:
Vic Bondi (Articles of Faith), J. Robbins (Jawbox) and Darren Zentek (Kerosene 454) come together to form a post-punk supergroup of sorts on this debut release from Report Suspicious Activity. Musically this reminds me a lot of nineties bands like Helmet, Jawbox, Fugazi, and the like. Sure, theres a fair amount of punk rock power, but its tempered with wise use of dynamics, creative musicianship, and solid songwriting. Lyrically, though, this reminds me more of the eighties when the Reagan administration influenced a steady stream of dissatisfied punks to put pen to paper. A lot of the lyrics deal with post 9-11 politics (its a safe bet these guys didnt vote for Bush), but the band eschews blunt sloganeering in favor of a more poetic approach. Youll get the message, but it doesnt feel like the band is browbeating the listener into agreeing with them. Very good stuff. (Bob Ignizio)
Vic Bondi Interview
From Fufkin:
Report Suspicious Activity -- Report Suspicious Activity (Alternative Tentacles): A power trio fronted by Vic Bondi, formerly of Articles Of Faith, and supported by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines) and drummer D. Zentek. As the band's name suggests, this is politically charged music played in a sharp post-punk style that is congruent with Robbins's work over the past decade or so. The songs are tense and powerful and very well played. Robbins is an ace bassist and he and Zentek are locked in with each other. Bondi and Robbins also excel on guitar. The biggest impediment for some interested purchasers will be Bondi's reliance on shouted vocals, which cropped up later in his work with Articles Of Faith. Imagine crossing Didjits' Rick Sims with Sam Kinison at maximum shout level, and that will give you an idea. On some songs, he builds his fury to that point. On others, he starts that way and stays that way. I definitely prefer him dialed down a bit, but I got used to shouting. And his lyrics and anger over the Bush administration certainly justify the screaming. The set begins with "Hardball", a re-recording of a 2003 Bondi solo track. This is a well-written Dischord-worthy tight post-punk song decrying the capitulation of mainstream media to corporate interests. While most of the album follows suit with articulate diatribes, Bondi has a sense of humor, as evidenced on "Revenge", where he unleashes a series of curses on the elite: "I want your dog to lick its ass in the presence of your in-laws/I want you to lose the election/I want you to get food poisoning at Jack-In-The-Box/I want your co-workers to laugh at you behind your back." It's a mix of cutting and juvenile -- I think he had to get it off his chest. One song brings me back to the halcyon days of Chicago punk, as "Under the Hill" could go toe-to-toe with prime Effigies and Naked Raygun. The final track is disquieting. "Willed Blind" is an ominous restrained number, as Bondi takes the perspective of someone who's given up on being informed -- the song builds and then cascades with Bondi singing over and over "I don't want to know." What's disquieting is that he is really tapping into the attitude of too many Americans. alternativetentacles.com
Some photos from the last series of gigs:
MSIG
BlaneyPhoto
