Anti

The Future Is the Past

(Dr. Strange Records)

Such is singer/guitarist Danny Dean's renown that no adjectives need be slung to introduce him. For record buyers of knowledge, it is sufficient to be apprised of his pivotal involvement in this singular project. 

Detailed description follows a retrospective.

The year was 1979, a mere three years after NYC's Ramones had unleashed their iconic debut LP. By that doing, the Forest Hills outsiders had spurred a Rock'n'Roll revolution of global ramifications, one whose tectonic impact will doubtlessly endure into perpetuity.

Still in high school, Southern Californian Danny was among teenagers who found themselves forever altered by the Ramones, as well as by other DIY notables of the era. Similary affected was guitarist Gary Kail (now sadly departed). Danny recalls the two undertook the majority of Anti's efforts, which included everything from managerial duties to promotional ones in addition to gigging. 

In 1980, they founded New Underground Records. The independent enterprise issued Anti LPs as well as numerous other vinyl offerings that illustrated the vibrant South Bay hardcore Punk scene.

As if rocketship savagery wasn't enough, the upstart group also distinguished itself in the region's storied shambolic mileau (which had in addition produced the Circle Jerks and Black Flag), by bannering broadsides against government corruption and news media lies, as well as by protesting warfare and urging world peace. 

"Our goal was to get our music heard," Danny recalled to Punk Globe in December. "We weren't about making money or being famous. We just wanted to help get this new underground music heard by putting out compilations and setting up shows.

"It's unfortunate that being early on the scene, we were outlawed. People didn't want this music in the beginning and didn't understand it. But we had to usher in the new change, the new way of thinking."

Anti's situation in West Coast Punk's zealous vanguard was sweatily earned gig by boisterous gig. And they stand tall in 2023, possessed of unique worth. 

Danny and Anti's original drummer John McCarthy joined with like-minded friends (including ones from Bad Religion, Agent Orange, and Danny's own Homewreckers) to produce 20 new recordings of songs with which Anti effected its now-legendary consequence. 

They storm through succinct and potent compositions with unerring bluntness. Thunderousness of city-leveling capacity, to be sure, but always intelligently designed and executed with productive intent.

Too, their characteristic awareness remains spot-on as ever, acidic observations being pointedly didactic. (Credit is due the politically cognizant Danny, who was Anti's primary song-scribe.) 

We are reminded that quintessential Punk, jaggedly etched with tumultuousness and defiant attitude, is of evergreen relevance. 

This LP comes in numerous colors. The 1982 cover shot came courtesy of Edward Colver; included are other Colver photos from that era.

(Danny recently contacted me via Facebook and spoke of numerous forthcoming releases of both archived group and solo material. Already, 2024 holds promise.)

Tracks: "Shut It Down," "I Try," "I Don't Want To Die In Your War," "Without Love," "Fight War Not Wars," "Backfire Bomber," "My Smile Is a Mask," "Club Me Like a Baby Seal," "Parents Of Punks," "The Divided States Of America," "Up At 4," "Pushed Around," "I Won't Be Coming Back," "Be Free," "The New Underground," "We Live In the Streets," "Nothing New," "Your Problems," "Punk Rock Poseur," "Media Scam"

Video: "I Don't Want To Die In Your War" (From 2023 EP)

Facebook (Danny Dean)

Dr. Strange Records