The Riot Before

Fists Buried In Pockets

[4.5/5]

We all knew the success of Against Me! would bring along a new crop of bands singing about drinking, politics and beards; that’s a given. But Richmond, Virginia’s the Riot Before, initially the solo acoustic act of frontman Brett Adams, have turned into a legitimate contender for the best drinking band you haven’t heard yet. Fists Buried In Pockets is a half-hour of powerful, rustic anthems any Lucero fan would embrace with open arms. In a time when music tends to be judged more by production quality than actual musicianship, it’s remarkably refreshing to hear a fun, engrossing record that sounds truly personal and passionate. Each of the album’s 11 songs has the power of a lead-off track and keep your ears glued to the speakers. With Fists, the Riot Before prove they’re the new breed of a region known for some of the most real and honest punk rock in the country. (SAY-10) Kevin Wade