by: leigha stuiso
The Dead Milkmen’s (We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang 7”, marks the first release since the 2017 release of Welcome to the End of the World EP. The legendary Philly punk band was set to record their new album in 2020, which came to a halt due to the pandemic. However, their latest release features their post-punk leaning cover of Heaven 17’s classic, anti-Fascist anthem “(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” and a new original single called “A Complicated Faith” on the B-side. The release comes via Philadelphia-based independent label The Giving Groove, who donate all label profits to a 501(c)3 music-related charity; The Dead Milkmen have chosen Girls Rock Philly as the recipient for this release.
“(We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang” comes right in time for the upcoming Republican National Convention. The track gives Heaven 17’s original a facelift, adding a steady and updated beat to match their original sound and 1981 lyrics. After playing the track live in concert, after the 2016 election, the band headed to the studio to record their version. The band’s original song, “A Complicated Faith” is three minutes of Depeche Mode-inspired rhythms and a scalding guitar solo courtesy of Joe Jack Talcum. The two tracks stick to their melodic brand of on-topic, thumping beats.
After over 30 years of making music, give or take a 13-year break, The Dead Milkmen still got it. The band’s current lineup consists of Rodney Anonymous (a.k.a. Rodney Linderman), Joe Jack Talcum (a.k.a. Joe Genaro), Dean Clean (a.k.a. Dean Sabatino), and Dan Stevens, who joined the group following the death of original bassist Dave Blood. With the release of (We Don’t Need This) Fascist Groove Thang 7”, fans will be delighted to have new songs to listen to until the anticipated album is out.
Keep up with the band here.
