The Brigade “The Dividing Line” 1986. Better Youth Records. Now out of print. This was a birthday gift in the summer of ‘86 when I turned 15. The Brigade, formerly and now again Youth Brigade, were HUGE in my circle of friends and their first release, “Sound and Fury,” was always on heavy rotation (the second version of the album; they released two of the same name, one in ’82, only pressing 800, and the second in ’83).

When I initially listened to “The Dividing Line” back in ’86 I remember being mildly disappointed that it lacked the intensity of “Sound and Fury” and I don’t think I really gave the record much of a chance. As I listen to it now, I definitely appreciate the prominent walking bass lines that punctuate the Brigade sound (played by Bob Gnarly who replaced original bassist Adam Stern for just this album. Stern returned to play bass from ’91-’97) but I still feel the album lacks the punk energy that appeared on the superior “Sound and Fury.” The first track on Side 1, “I Scream” almost sounds like INXS could have recorded it (not a bad thing, just not really in the punk ethos Youth Brigade epitomized). Lyrically the band remained politically anti-war and anti-violence (“War For Peace”) as well as advocates for self-control and personal betterment as a means to achieve world peace (“The Struggle Within”).

I’m guessing not a lot of punks have this record in their collections, but I am happy that I held onto it. If nothing else, it is inspiring me to check out Youth Brigade’s later releases and compilation appearances from the 90’s and 2000’s.