The Casualties/In Defence/Race Riot/Rabid Reason/Abortive Issue

New York City street punk veterans The Casualties, known as much for their dayglo liberty spikes as their populist oi anthems, has been churning out solid if formulaic shout-along choruses and chugging, catchy riffs since 1990, and their ninth album, Resistance, isn’t a radical departure, save for some refreshing metal nuances. With lyrics like “F*** your religion/morality police/you can’t control us!” (“Morality Police”) and “Anger and sins/on everyone’s faces/Mental abuse/what everyone faces” (“Behind Barbed Wire”), the quartet isn’t exactly contributing vital political commentary, but crunchy, raucous metal riffs throughout indicate a promising thrash crossover likely prompted by the group’s switch to metal label Season of Mist. Minneapolis hardcore pranksters In Defence open with more light-hearted thematic fare (guyliner, tacos, and Star Wars are favored lyrical motifs). (Hannah Franklin)