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Originally released as an extremely limited cassette in 1990, Independence Day quickly became a seminal release and template for the American oi scene.
The Bruisers hailed from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, an unlikely spot for a punk scene, not to mention a non-racist skinhead scene, but one nonetheless. Perhaps assisted by the close proximity to Boston, these tough guys recorded some raging Blitz-style oi punk, even covering the English band’s “Nation On Fire” for this release. It’s a primitive recording, but a powerful one, militant sloganeering to an insistent marching beat, muscular but melodic, the big guy at the show who could easily tear you apart limb from limb, but smiles and buys you a beer instead.
Vocalist Al Barr now sings for Dropkick Murphys, though, in some circles, he remains remembered as one who firmly established American oi for a new generation. Enjoy this slab of history with your favorite local beer as you reminisce about the bootboy days.
