Navajo Punk Rockers

Since its beginnings in the late 1960s and early ’70s, punk rock music has been synonymous with fighting against an unjust establishment. True, there are artists who care more about partying than exposing the man, but many groups stay true to the genre’s anti-establishment roots.

With its 2001 release of “One Nation Under,” Arizona-based Blackfire sends a wake-up call to the masses in true punk-rock fashion. Formed in 1989, the trio consists of brothers Clayson Benally (drums, percussion and vocals) and Klee Benally (vocals and guitar) with sister Jeneda Benally (bass and vocals).

To put it bluntly, the album contains no weak tracks. The Navajo rockers successfully combine punk and traditional vocals with kick-ass guitars and drums to produce an awesome sound.

“Exile” begins with a soothing guitar melody with lead vocalist Klee Benally singing, “While you were sleeping they waged a war/ Didn’t tell you ’till they came to your door/ While you were sleeping they stole your freedom/ Made sure the odds weren’t even.”

Blackfire "One Nation Under" Blackfire's Web site [1] Blackfire’s MySpace page [2] Blackfire video on YouTube [3]

Things quickly heat up as Benally belts out the powerful chorus: “There’s blood on the hands of time/ A lie cheapens the vision/ Did you read between the lines/ Or did they teach you not to question?”

Other highlights include high-energy bangers “Lying to Myself,” “Level” and “Someone Else’s Nightmare.”

Mellower moments are found in songs such as “Downfall” and “What Do You See,” which admonishes listeners to “learn what’s not yet forgotten/ ’Cause when you know where you’re from, it’s easier to find where you’re going.”

“Exile” and “What Do You See” feature guest vocals from the band members’ father, traditional health practitioner and singer Jones Benally. (The Blackfire siblings also appear with their father in the Jones Benally Family, performing traditional Navajo dances.) Joey Ramone of the legendary punk band, the Ramones, appears on “What Do You See” and “Lying to Myself;” it was the last recorded work by “The Godfather of Punk Rock” before his death in 2001.

Ishmael Ali Elias

Speaking out against environmental and social injustices is not the popular thing to do given the nation’s politically charged climate, but what fun would music be if bands caved under the pressure to be politically correct? Also, how would conditions improve if everyone was bullied into silence?

“One Nation Under” is a brilliant punk album that delivers both indelible lyrics and arena-rocking goodness.

Reznet rating: Three out of four frybreads