Anti-Flag

If you’re not already fired up about the ’08 Election season, American sociopolitics, the general fucked-up-edness of the world, and/or how the Man is keepin’ you down, you almost certainly will be after spending some mosh-time with überlefty straight-edge/vegan Pittsburgh punks Anti-Flag. Descendants and a hybrid of a long line of anti-fascist, anti-nationalist, anti-corporation, and anti-war outfits that always aimed for maximum volume, crunch, and confrontation, and rarely minced words (think the Clash crossed with Crass crossed with Minor Threat), Anti-Flag—led by incendiary frontman Justin Sane—has spent nearly 20 years howling its intent and purpose as clearly and with as much spittle as possible. Naturally, albums have been titled Their System Doesn’t Work for You and Terror State, and songs have included “Red White and Brainwashed,” “You Can Kill the Protestor But You Can’t Kill the Protest,” and perennial Seattle favorite “The W.T.O. Kills Farmers.” Anti-Flag is usually pretty good at killing a crowd; maybe they’ll kill off a little apathy, too. With Street Dogs, the Briggs and Fake Problems. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., 628-3151. 7 p.m. $17 adv./$18. All ages. MICHAEL ALAN GOLDBERG
Thu., April 10, 7 p.m., 2008