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www.thelikemagazine.com page 23 | Issue 010 I didn’t listen to Against Me until “New Wave” came out and it was an awesome rock and roll album! I had been avoiding them ‘cause they had a buzz about them for some time, they were on Fat Wreck and all the punk kids just thought they were the bee’s knees. But then the punks’ collective panties got in a bunch when the band signed to a major label and people who didn’t go out of their way to look like garbage were singing along with Tom Gabel’s irresistible anthems. So, while a lot were exclaiming how Against Me saved rock and roll and all that shit, the punks were bitching about how Gabel, well, sings…. and how they PREFER how he screamed like on their first releases. Yeah, well, I guess nails on a chalkboard is punk, eh? ‘Cause you know what, the music sounded the same! Then “White Crosses” came out and the folks who touted the band as saviors a couple years prior, were pan- ning this as a big ol’ flop! Again, they sounded the same. I don’t get all these fluctuating emotions and opinions about a band who has had a consistent sound and just puts out good songs. Well, now it’s been about six years after first embracing Against Me! Embracing them HARD, mind you! There’s been a few line-up changes, a gender switch and they’re not even really on a label! They’ve put out “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” on their own Total Treble label, Tom Gabel is now Laura Jane grace, Atom Wil- lard from Rocket From The Crypt is their current drummer AND guess what?! They’ve made another stellar hunk of rock music. The album is, from what I’ve heard, a concept album coming from the perspective of a transgender prostitute. It starts with the bouncy title track which makes me wanna start marching along for a cause. Track 2, “True Trans Soul Rebel,” really introduces you to the albums main character. ‘Who’s gonna take you ho-o-ome, tonight/ Tru-u-ue tra-a-ans soouull rebel!’ Can’t HELP but sing along with the chorus! Hopefully this makes it to radio, podcasts or playlists. It’s my favorite so far. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” even has a big guest appearance by Fat Mike on bass for “Unconditional Love” and “FUCKMYLIFE666.” The latter being the track that has been streaming here and there for the promos. Oh! I think my favorite might be “Dead Friend,” track 7. ‘God damn I miss my dead friend!’ goes the chorus. It’s such a good fucking song! About the “main character’s” perished friend. It’s so genuine, it’s choking me up. You want an acoustic ballad? There’s “Two Coffins.” “Paralytic States” and “Black Me Out” round out the record and before you know it…. It’s just done. 10 songs in just under 29 minutes. “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” leaves you wanting MORE! It’s only January, but this is gonna be one of my end of the years favorites. Against Me! “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” Total Treble againstme.net