The question posed in the title of this slab of questionable material is certainly probing, but perhaps the more interesting query, and one that boggles the mind even more so, is why Epitaph Records continues to insist on derailing its reputation as the bastion of pioneering and domineering punk music. Once home to the undisputed champions of the genre (Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise, and Rancid), Epitaph and its former magical focus continue to be diluted by newer, significantly less-notable-- even substandard-- acts. It's a point I've harped on numerous times as of late, but listening to Union 13 intensifies the argument, drawing a straight razor across an already bleeding carcass.

Major Reason Number One for My Disappointment: This is one of the most poorly produced albums I've heard in some time. It's drowning in reverb, perhaps an homage to the recording qualities of early-80's punk albums; the likes of Adrenaline O.D. and Youth Brigade-- bands that, in their best moments, Union 13 seem intent on emulating. This potential appeal is undermined, however, when one considers that the sound of these albums was probably the result of weaker technology and sonic mishandling rather than any intentional move on the band's part. The result for Union 13 is that their album sounds incredibly muddy, with important parts of the music seemingly washed-out: in some songs, it's difficult to determine if the drummer is even playing a snare.

Major Reason Number Two for My Disappointment: this album is actually more enjoyable when listened to at a lower volume. Perhaps this once again involves the production value, but regardless, the effect is completely antithetical to the essential principles of the music-- punk is meant to be played loud, to get the ganglia of the spine tingling with each increasing notch of the volume knob used.

What can we say in Union 13's defense? They're definitely intense, and the power of their performance manages to surmount all other handicaps in rare but striking moments of revelation. They also show great pride in (what I presume to be) their Latino heritage, performing many of their songs in Spanish.

It is this latter quality which most effectively distinguishes the band and perhaps provides insight into why Epitaph has embraced them. Punk music, for all of its professed celebration of diversity, is terribly monocultural-- mostly white, middle-class, young males born into privileged positions which afford them the freedom to "challenge" the conventions. Nonetheless, I'm not convinced that political goals should supercede musical impact in this case-- perhaps with better production, the two spectrums could be more positively aligned.

-Kevin Ruggeri