If you’ve been in New York City at any point in the last couple of years, you’ve probably walked by an Outernational bumper sticker. But since viral marketing doesn’t work, I had no fucking idea what those stickers were for. Finally, some web surfing happened to lead me to the fusion-punk band’s latest music video.
I’m not gonna lie, it was Miles Solay’s capering that piqued my interest. The guy’s a veritable cartoon character.
Todos Somos Illegales, assisted by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, packs a solid punch. The anti-US policy stance is not especially surprising. The arguments are not necessarily new — at least not to anyone who’s read up on the militarization of our border that effectively criminalizes an entire underclass of exploited people.
It’s the music that packs the punch here — the hypnotic rapping, punk-infused guitars, and tejano(?)* backings draw you in like there’s no tomorrow. Simultaneously scathing and empowering, Todos Somos Illegales will make you take a good long think about the music you’re dancing to. I’ve had mariachi music running through my head all week.
The band is currently touring along the border in support of the album. Check out the relevant links below, and make a donation on their Bandcamp page.
Outernational — Official, Facebook, Bandcamp
*I really have no familiarity with Latin music, so if somebody wants to correct my categorization then please educate me!