Antillectual

Again it's been a while since we interrupted you. And yet so much has happened in the mean time. The new release is going like crazy, we went on tour which was a mixed succes and we played a release show that was beyond our wildest dreams.

The tour report for the tour in March, the pictures we took and the video material we shot will be up soon. As soon as the new website is up, we'll post it there. What I can tell you already is that this tour was not our best ever, we had 2 last minute shows, and 3 days off, the most we've ever had on tour, and I must say it's the worst thing that can happen to a bad and its motivation. On the other hand, the shows that we aplyed were really awesome, with quite some people coming out, and being in Portugal for the first time was really amazing. A lot of thanks go out to Joao from Infected Records who did an amazing job arranging everything for us in Portugal. Again, more soon to come.

4 days later after we got back from Portugal we had the "Testimony release show. We expected it to be a great party. But what happened was beyond our craziest imagination. The show got sold out during Gewapend Beton playing third, and unfortunately a lot of people got sent back home when they tried to get in after. Even some idiots felt the need to fight their way in. Thanks to all the bands (New Pokerface, Smash the Statues, Gewapend Beton and The Real Danger) for showing up and playing their asses off. Also a lot of thanks to Hans and Niels and everyone else at The Stage, and most of all, thanks to all people showing up, singing along, going crazy during the show and buying the new album. If you don't believe any of the above, we got pictures to proof: check. See?

in response to the new album we got a shitload of new reviews. too much to mention them all. again, as soon as the new website is finished we'll post them there. here is the review of asice.net, one of holland's most important punk/hardcore portals:

Antillectual – Testimony (Shield)
Antillectual is the only Dutch DIY band, besides No Turning Back, that is willing to take that next step in music. Touring constantly across the globe to spread their music and message, these three guys from Nijmegen and Arnhem wholeheartedly dedicate their lives to this band. Where most bands try it, Antillectual does it and makes it look really easy.

“This is or testimony of the things we see happening around us and we do not agree upon”

This line is taken from the explanation of the opening track “Testimony” (a Boysetsfire-esque intro song) and pretty much sums up the lyrical content of this record. Some isssues they adress, like war, feminism and broken promises, are more important than others (“scene” issues or corporate advertising) but all lyrics are spot on and written with sincerety. And sincerity is the basis of all great things. Every song is explained to make sure that you know what they are singing and screaming about.
In comparing “Testimony” with “Silencing Civilization”, one is struck by the musical progress since that time. Dynamic changes, intelligent songwriting, richly colored melodies. A true parade of different punk rock styles. Being a conservative prick when it comes to punk rock music, I’m losing my head over songs like “Sponsorship for life” and “Benefit of the doubt”. Unbelievable! But all the pieces work extremely well together even though the ending can be a bit of challenge due to the length of both the song “I hope you got my letter” and the Shawshank Redemption sample.
A Sturm und Drang approach to political punk rock is certainly not unique but proves to be the most memorable. It should be no suprise that fans of Propagandhi and Strike Anywhere will do themselves a huge favor by checking out this uncanny record.
Rating: 4,5 out of 5

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if you want to order the album, or some other stuff get in touch through email.

some interesting offers:
– our old and new album together for 15 euro
– a shirt and an album together for 15 euro 

furthermore we have a lot of new shows added, especially in may with some very cool bands. check them yourself. hope to confirm some more soon as well. in april we will be hitting the (serious) road again, together with our good friends from smash the statues. really looking forward to that one. unfortunately we're still looking for some shows, if you can help us out it would be highly appreciated.  also if you have a show for us anywhere else, we're always looking for places to play, even more now we have a new album to promote. so please, let us know!

As said, we're working on a new website, we're actually filling it in with content and doing tests, so it's finally getting somewhere. no promises on when it will be online though, those have been broken more than enough. hope to see or hear from you soon!

ANTILLECTUAL TESTIMONY (SHIELD)

The Nijmegen and Arnhem based Antillectual is possibly Holland’s hardest working punkrock band. Even before the release of their debut album “Silencing Civilization” in 2005 the band frequently performed live. After that release endless tours through Europe and the USA followed. The frequent playing caused Antillectual’s growth from a band that reproduced Propagandhi, Rise Against, Strike Anywhere and Hot Water Music, to a determined, politically aware punkrock machine.

The album “Testimony” forms solid proof of this evolution. The ten songs are full of authentic passion, frustration and social engagement. The pace is, due to the input of newcomer Riekus (drums), overall high-tempo. But through the frequent use of slower passages and breaks from the opening track “Testimony” also excels as a dynamic album. This makes it possible for songs like “I Hate Myself When I Shave Myself”, in which the punk scene is criticized, to stroll on, while the band erupts in favorite “Friendly Fire”.

The proof of Antillectual having the right punk ethics derives from the lyrics and liner notes accompanying them. Those discuss issues ranging from the change of the climate to the commercialization of the world and political engagement. Only downsides are the at some points quick transitions and distorted screams.

WOUTER DIELESEN

Oor nr. 3, April 2008

Antillectual – Testimony (Shield Recordings)

Antillectual is the only Dutch DIY band, besides No Turning Back, that is willing to take that next step in music. Touring constantly across the globe to spread their music and message, these three guys from Nijmegen and Arnhem wholeheartedly dedicate their lives to this band. Where most bands try it, Antillectual does it and makes it look really easy.

“This is or testimony of the things we see happening around us and we do not agree upon”

This line is taken from the explanation of the opening track “Testimony” (a Boysetsfire-esque intro song) and pretty much sums up the lyrical content of this record. Some isssues they adress, like war, feminism and broken promises, are more important than others (“scene” issues or corporate advertising) but all lyrics are spot on and written with sincerety. And sincerity is the basis of all great things. Every song is explained to make sure that you know what they are singing and screaming about.

In comparing “Testimony” with “Silencing Civilization”, one is struck by the musical progress since that time. Dynamic changes, intelligent songwriting, richly colored melodies. A true parade of different punk rock styles. Being a conservative prick when it comes to punk rock music, I’m losing my head over songs like “Sponsorship for life” and “Benefit of the doubt”. Unbelievable! But all the pieces work extremely well together even though the ending can be a bit of challenge due to the length of both the song “I hope you got my letter” and the Shawshank Redemption sample.

A Sturm und Drang approach to political punk rock is certainly not unique but proves to be the most memorable. It should be no suprise that fans of Propagandhi and Strike Anywhere will do themselves a huge favor by checking out this uncanny record.

Rating: 4,5 out of 5

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Dear all

We're about to leave on tour again, but before we leave we have another update. From today on "Testimony", the new album, is officially available through shops all over Europe, and of course through us. If you're interested email us info@antillectual.com. There's also new shirt/girlies/hoodies/zippers available that we'll bring on tour. Get in touch if you want to order one of those too.

If you're still in doubt, let these reviews help you make the right decision. A lot of Italian reviews, since No Reason Records is doing a great job over there. From Up Magazine we received this amazing review. This month's issue also features an interview with us.

The craftsmanship and melody that form the quality of the Antillectual live shows now finally have been recorded on the album "Testimony". With this album the band is in now way inferior to likeminded bands like Rise Against, Strike Anywhere and Hot Water Music. The political punk with a raw edge is catchy and contagious. It makes you want to mosh and sing along to songs like "Sponsorship for life", "Waste = food" and the title song. But also emo and indie rock fan can relate to this album. The three Dutchmen have a clear message, which they spread intelligibly in the beautiful booklet. Punk has seldom sounded so inspired. By far the best release on Shield Recordings up to date and an album for the year lists! I doubt the new Anti-Flag album will be a match for this album.

97/100

Arold Roestenburg

From Portugal we received a review from Misfit zine myspace.com/misfitzine:

This highly anticipated second album from this band, which hails from Holland since 2000, is a piece of good Punk-Rock, with hardcore riffs and catchy chorus, which will knock you down!

With the lyrics focused on both political and personal issues, the themes talk about war/anti-war, trends and commercialism! Musically speaking, the production is very good, the guitar is really cool and melodic, and the drums are powerful!

This is a band that does the walk instead of doing the talk, I can see! And we don't have too much of this today! Be sure to listen to this folks and grab a copy!

My favorite tracks are "Friendly Fire" and "Sponsorship For Life", which shows the two sides of the album. Great!

We received even a review of our old record "Silencing Civilization" on punknews.org. look at it here More reviews will follow soon.

Speaking of our old releases, we're almost sold out of both "Silencing Civilization", the "Waves" 7" and our demo "Facts Opinions & in Between". "Silencing Civilization" will be repressed through Shield Recordings on CD. There are plans to release the album later this year on vinyl/12"/LP as well. In case you're interested to help out releasing/distributing this thing let us know.

Speaking of vinyl; Shield recordings releases "Testimony" on vinyl, and actually has some Waves 7"es left. If you order the LP through Shield Recordings, you get a Waves 7" for free. As long as they're available.

And, since we're embarking on a tour as we speak, it's about time to announce a new one. Together with our good friends from Smash the Statues we will be going to Scandinavia. Thank god it's in April and temperatures will be acceptable by then. If you can help us out with some dates over there, please get in touch: info@antillectual.com.

Our friends from No Reason Records made a "Testimony Wall paper" to cheer up your view when you're at the office, or at home, or … 1024×768 and 1280×1024.

And last but not least, you can still stream the album on the 3voor12 "Luisterpaal".
How are you doing?

Antillectual Silencing Civilization 2005

Angry Youth
Review by: ThomPunkAheaddotcom

This band should be a popular one with Orgcore punkers though probably will be unknown due to their location being the Netherlands. Across Europe they're getting better known with the three of them touring regularly; however, they toured across the eastern USA last summer with across-the-pond friends Static Radio.

Now, if you know the Indecision Alarm, that will help, as these guys are very similar playing gruff-ish, speedy, melodic and aggressive punk rock. The Indecision Alarm aren't that well-known either, so for people still in the dark, this is a cross between Propagandhi, Hot Water Music and finally Rise Against.

Having three DIY EPs prior to this release the band have been able to really mature their sound; Antillectual have acquired their own individual sound and for a three-piece they can make themselves heard. The band fit perfectly into the current European punk rock revival with this Hot Water Music-Propagandhi style leading it this time; Antillectual arguably are in first place currently and still have a lot of energy in them.

One of the biggest problems with the album is comical, to put it best, with the intro of the first track immediately resembling Propagandhi 's "A Speculative Fiction." Rip-off? Not unless they have a time machine because Silencing Civilization was released 8 months before Potemkin City Limits.

It's a real shame that this style doesn't get the attention it deserves with it becoming the common European sound now and is invigorating combining such great melodies with quality punk rock. I promise you that listening to this you will enjoy it in some way, "Because We Can (Afford It)," featuring a first-class solo, to top things off sums the album up best. Passionate music like this where you can listen and feel great, yourself rising in parallel to the brilliance has to be responded to with positive passion.

Well shove your tradition up your ass and i hope you like it
yeah fuck your homophobia it is about time to accept it

Touching on homophobia, border policy, politics and other matters, the band has plenty to say and don't say it lightly. Real passion tied in with speed works wonders in emphasizing your point. The anger Antillectual derive throughout the album isn't missed with each song arguing a message and their beliefs superbly. Quality speed in "Bad Company (No Globalisation Without Representation)" echoes distant sounds of the previous primary Euro-punk sound — skatepunk (which is not dead, just on vacation), and a similar setting for "Originator" combining speed with melody creating the dark, agressive yet optimistic atmosphere.

It's like these guys have experienced everything in punk rock leading the current Euro main brand of punk rock but adding `90s skatepunk as well as a more older, simplistic style of hardcore punk. Antillectual have something every punk enthusiast will enjoy whilst limiting their style to not have too open boundaries.

Over time, however, I find myself slipping with the music slightly falling into itself. Some people will love this style for a long time but I, on the other hand, seem to grow tired of it after some time and lose interest in the final tracks. Combining this with the present outlook, this new wave could become stale real quick if multiplied so much with new bands, which seems to have been the common fault with the past waves of punk rock. The future shall answer that though; I know with Antillectual's new music I have been more interested.

Overall, ten tracks in 28 minutes seems to regularly be a good indication of whether you have a punk rock album in your hands and Antillectual sure don't disappoint as well as providing it. Super melodic combining and aggressive yet supportedly passionate, fair-paced punk rock — the ingredients for a great CD.

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