If I Can't Dance, It's Not My Revolution is the follow-up to
Across the Border's two 1997 releases, the EP But Life Is Boring Sir, Without Committing a Crime and the full-length album Crusty Folk Music for Smelly People. The German group's penchant for verbose titles continues but, more importantly, so does the band's ability to fuse undeniable punk rhythms and attitudes with acoustic folk instruments like fiddle and accordion. The group's homeland brethren and folk-punk contemporaries the Shanes also flourish under those qualifiers, although
Across the Border relies more on electric guitar with riffs that teeter somewhere between heavy metal and hardcore punk. But guitarist Inst doesn't neglect the acoustic guitar either, as he strikes an equitable balance with his selection of instruments. Thematically, this band is more contentious and political in nature than the Shanes.
Across the Border's "higher social consciousness" would seem to clash with the band's nihilistic sympathies but hey, it's only rock & roll. Besides, it's doubtful that the credulous lyrics here will ever be mistaken for widespread political directives. In the context of folk-infused punk rock, though,
Across the Border certainly strikes a resonating chord. Instrumentally, the band is quite talented, particularly fiddler David (who appears to benefit from a traditional background) and the palpitating rhythm section of bassist Stefan and drummer Fezzo. Despite their disparate approaches, a symbiotic relationship was forged between the traditional and punk influences that define the group. Lead singer Jake, who either wrote or co-wrote a majority of the album's selections, unfortunately lacks the authoritative and boisterous quality that the songs dictate -- but his fiery songwriting more than atones for his vocal deficiencies. ~ Dave Sleger