Refused
Freedom
EPITAPH
7/10
Expectations, schmexpectations! In the ’90s, Refused put out one of the most memorable albums of the decade (not to mention one of the most trend-setting post-hardcore records ever): The Shape of Punk to Come. Now, seventeen years (and a slew of successful reunion shows) later, the Swedish anarchists have issued a solid follow-up to Shape devoid of any sense of urgency, pressure, or even self-consciousness. Instead, Freedom is captivatingly loose, experimental, and mature—working horns, keyboards, and a children’s choir into the hardcore band’s signature roar. Raising even more eyebrows than the added symphonics, two Freedom tracks (“Elektra” and “366”) are helmed by Taylor Swift producer Shellback. These choices don’t harm Refused’s rebellious cred, which is alive and well, especially in the scathing critique of atheist guru Richard Dawkins’ supporters on Freedom’s standout track “Dawkins Christ.” The reemergence of Refused didn’t presage a new album—the group could have toured off the strength of Shape forever—but the willingness to evolve is what keeps any band relevant. Cheers to Refused for taking the plunge.
