Authority Zero - A Passage in Time

While Arizona has certainly had more than its share of fair-to-middling punk bands, the state hasn't ever had enough great punk bands. This is where Authority Zero comes in. They hit the scene with energy, speed, and some of the fastest vocals I've ever heard. No, seriously, Jason DeVore might very well have the fastest mouth in all of punk. He is known for singing a punked out version of "The Rattlin' Bog" in concert which continues to increase in speed even when it seems a physical impossibility. Check the hidden track on Andiamo if you want to know what I'm talking about. I was at the show where that track was recorded.

Aside from the sheer speed of the band, Authority Zero brings a great sound and a great vision. It isn't all hardcore punk all the time. They mix in a beachside jam on "One More Minute" and a ska ditty on "Over Seasons." Even when they slow it down, Authority Zero never loses their intensity. While the laid back tracks are as good as anything else the band does, I prefer the brashness of their punk tracks, especially on the title track of this album. This is, as far as I can see, the very best punk of which my home state is capable.