Editing Exit English

{{Infobox album
| name       = Exit English
| type       = studio
| artist     = [[Strike Anywhere]]
| cover      = Exit English.jpg
| alt        =
| released   = September 30, 2003
| recorded   = April 2003
| studio     = Salad Days
| genre      = [[Hardcore punk]], [[melodic hardcore]], [[punk rock]]<!-- sourced in body -->
| length     = 31:55
| label      = [[Jade Tree Records|Jade Tree]]
| producer   = [[Brian McTernan]]
| prev_title = [[Change Is a Sound]]
| prev_year  = 2001
| next_title = [[To Live in Discontent]]
| next_year  = 2005
}}
'''''Exit English''''' is the second album by the American [[melodic hardcore]] band [[Strike Anywhere]], released in 2003.

==Background==
Strike Anywhere released their debut studio album ''[[Change Is a Sound]]'' in August 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/change-is-a-sound-mw0000010470|title=Change Is a Sound - Strike Anywhere {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=D'Angelo, Peter J.|accessdate=March 21, 2021}}</ref> In between various tours supporting it, the members had alternative jobs: bassist Garth Petrie was a [[Moving company|mover]]; drummer Eric Kane cooked in different cafés; guitarist Matt Smith ran a recording studio in his basement; guitarist Matt Sherwood served as an electrical engineer; and vocalist Thomas Barnett worked in markets and health food stores.<ref name=Oxinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.ox-fanzine.de/interview/strike-anywhere-1168|title=Strike Anywhere Politics from the Heart|work=Ox-Fanzine|author=Roth, Alexander|date=March–May 2004|accessdate=March 21, 2021|language=DE}}</ref> In March 2003, the band toured the US and Canada, with support from [[the Explosion]], [[Majority Rule (band)|Majority Rule]], and the Exit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5279/tours-strike-anywhere-dates-with-the-explosion-the-exit-majority-rule|title=Strike Anywhere Dates With The Explosion, The Exit, Majority Rule|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=February 9, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}}</ref> The following month, the band began recording their next album with producer [[Brian McTernan]] at Salad Days in Maryland.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5873/strike-anywhere-hit-the-studio|title=Strike Anywhere hit the studio|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 22, 2003|accessdate=March 5, 2021}}</ref> Barnett said McTernan was "really hard" on the band, with Barnett doing his vocals for eight hours a day, "and none of it was good enough" for him.<ref name=PIinterview/>

==Composition==
Musically, the sound of ''Exit English'' has been described as [[hardcore punk]],<ref name=Oxreview/> [[melodic hardcore]],<ref name=PNreview/> and [[punk rock]].<ref name=AMreview/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/legendary-punk-hardcore-albums-no-weak-songs/|title=25 Legendary Punk + Hardcore Albums With No Weak Songs|work=Loudwire|date=May 18, 2020|accessdate=March 21, 2021}}</ref> Barnett's vocals were compared to Jason Shevchuk of [[Kid Dynamite (band)|Kid Dynamite]] and Ari Katz of [[Lifetime (band)|Lifetime]].<ref name=PNreview/> Smith said the album's title refers to "thinking for yourself and not embracing American ideals worldwide".<ref name=PBinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.punkbands.com/interviews/154|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013060538/http://www.punkbands.com/interviews/154|title=Strike Anywhere|publisher=Punkbands|date=February 14, 2002|archivedate=October 13, 2008|accessdate=December 12, 2021}}</ref> Barnett's notebooks, which contained lyrics and song ideas, were stolen from his car shortly before recording, prompting the rest of the members to aid in the writing.<ref name=AMPinterview/> Barnett said the album was based on local stories, like ''Change Is a Sound'', the that it is "at once 10 times more [about their hometown] Richmond, about secret histories, slave insurrections, women riots pointing guns at their husbands and brothers, the Confederate army burning the city. All of these ideas, stories, and histories that were hidden from our public education informed in our songs". He mentioned that it was a lot more melodic that its predecessor, saying that the others had "written more harmonic guitar parts".<ref name=PIinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.punk-it.net/Interviews/strike.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227051600/http://www.punk-it.net/Interviews/strike.html|title=Strike Anywhere|publisher=Punk-It|date=October 30, 2003|archivedate=December 27, 2005|accessdate=August 7, 2022}}</ref>

"We Amplify" acts as a prologue to "Blaze", which alongside "To the World" were viewed as an East Coast iteration of [[the Offspring]].<ref name=PNreview/><ref name=AMreview/> "Blaze" features Barnett quoting lines from [[Percy Bysshe Shelley]]'s poem ''[[The Masque of Anarchy]]''. "New Architects" and "Aluminium Union" were referred to as faster [[Good Riddance (band)|Good Riddance]] songs.<ref name=Exclaimreview/> Barnett described "Lights Go Out" as the "most punch-you-in-the-face visceral" track on the album.<ref name=PIinterview/> "Fifth Estate" is a [[hardcore punk]] [[power ballad]] about the control of [[mass media]].<ref name=CMJreview/> For "Modern Life", Petrie asked Barnett to write about topics such as [[Animal Liberation (organisation)|Animal Liberation]] and [[vegetarianism]].<ref name=AMPinterview>{{cite web|url=http://65.108.164.40/interview_strikeanywhere_17.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321210708/http://65.108.164.40/interview_strikeanywhere_17.html|title=Strike Anywhere|work=[[AMP (magazine)|AMP]]|author=Lalonde, Angele|date=January 2004|archivedate=March 21, 2005|accessdate=December 18, 2021}}</ref> Discussing "Extinguish", Barnett said it was about the "fact that in the States only the story of the rich men is ever told, how they built America."<ref name=Oxinterview/> It was a homage to their hometown of Richmond. The penultimate song "In the Fingernails", which begins with handcalps and a tambourine, is an [[anti-war]] track.<ref name=TBPreview/>

==Release==
In April 2003, the band supported [[AFI (band)|AFI]] for a few headlining US shows,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5424/sing-the-sorrow-formats-and-releases-new-afi-tour-dates|title=Sing The Sorrow formats and releases / new AFI tour dates|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=February 27, 2003|accessdate=March 4, 2021}}</ref> and appeared at Friendly Fest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/5762/tours-friendly-fest-3-lineup-confirmed|title=Friendly Fest 3 lineup confirmed|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=April 9, 2003|accessdate=March 5, 2021}}</ref> On June 4, 2003, ''Exit English'' was announced for release in September.<ref name=PNannounce/> On June 27, the album's track listing was posted online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6406/strike-anywheres-exit-english-has-a-date-and-a-tracklist|title=Strike Anywhere's 'Exit English' has a date and a tracklist|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=June 27, 2003|accessdate=March 9, 2021}}</ref> In July 2003, the band were set to go on a tour of Japan; however, they were detained at a Tokyo airport. The band explained that their Japanese promotor had failed to acquire them visas to play in the country. As a result, the shows were cancelled, and the band was placed under house arrest. After some negotiations, they were allowed to fly to Australia to begin a tour there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/2323/strike-anywhere-exit-english|title=Strike Anywhere Detained / Questioned In Japan|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=July 14, 2003|accessdate=March 21, 2021}}</ref> On July 29, 2003, "Infrared" and "To the World" were posted on the label's website.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6694/strike-anywhere-kid-dynamite-album-info-and-songs-online|title=Strike Anywhere, Kid Dynamite Album Info & Songs Online|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=July 29, 2003|accessdate=March 10, 2021}}</ref> In August 2003, the band toured the west coast with [[From Ashes Rise]] and the Disaster.<ref name=PNannounce>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6225/strike-anywheres-exit-english-set-for-late-september-release|title=Strike Anywhere's 'Exit English' Set For Late September Release|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=June 4, 2003|accessdate=March 8, 2021}}</ref> ''Exit English'' was made available for streaming on August 18, before being released on September 30, 2003, through Jade Tree.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6851/stream-exit-english-at-new-strike-anywhere-site|title=Stream Exit English At New Strike Anywhere Site|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=August 18, 2003|accessdate=March 10, 2021}}</ref> Barnett explained that the title referred to English [[colonialism]].<ref name=Oxinterview/>

Between September and November 2003, the band supported [[the Bouncing Souls]] on their headlining US tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/6419/tours-bouncing-souls-summer-shows|title=Bouncing Souls Summer Shows|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=June 28, 2003|accessdate=March 9, 2021}}</ref> The stint included an appearance a ''[[CMJ]]'' showcase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7356/jade-tree-cmj-showcase|title=Jade Tree CMJ showcase|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=October 17, 2003|accessdate=March 13, 2021}}</ref> Following this, the band went on a European tour with [[New Mexican Disaster Squad]], which ran into December.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7332/tours-strike-anywhere-tours-europe|title=Strike Anywhere tours Europe|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Heisel, Scott|date=October 14, 2003|accessdate=March 13, 2021}}</ref> A music video for "Infrared" was posted online on November 30, 2003; Barnett said the person they made it was the "Brian McTernan of film music videos", explaining that he understand the music from having a background in hardcore. He mentioned that video mainly consisted of "post-production images, images from [[1999 Seattle WTO protests|WTO police riots]], and putting together these collages of visuals".<ref name=PIinterview/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/7737/strike-anywhere-infrared-video-online|title=Strike Anywhere 'Infrared' Video Online|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=November 30, 2003|accessdate=March 14, 2021}}</ref> In February and March 2004, the band went on an US tour with Fifth Hour Hero; [[F-Minus]] and [[Silverstein (band)|Silverstein]] appeared on select dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8132/tours-strike-anywhere-fifth-hour-hero-us-dates|title=Strike Anywhere / Fifth Hour Hero US dates|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=January 19, 2004|accessdate=March 19, 2021}}</ref> Following this, the band headlined the Jade Tre United Tour, which occurred in the Midwest and East Coast, and featured [[From Ashes Rise]], Challenger, [[Paint It Black (band)|Paint It Black]], and [[Breather Resist]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8510/tours-jade-tree-united-tour|title=Jade Tree United Tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=February 28, 2004|accessdate=March 23, 2021}}</ref> The band headlined some shows in Europe, before touring the territory as part of the [[Deconstruction Tour]] in May and June.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/8979/tours-strike-anywhere-tours|title=Strike Anywhere Tours|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Paul, Aubin|date=April 21, 2004|accessdate=March 28, 2021}}</ref> In July and August, they toured the US with [[New Mexican Disaster Squad]] and [[Engine Down]], and appeared at that year's [[Hellfest (American music festival)|Hellfest]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9556/tours-strike-anywhere-and-new-mexican-disaster-squad-on-the-road|title=Strike Anywhere and New Mexican Disaster Squad on the road|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=June 28, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021}}</ref> They trekked across the US again, this time as part of the [[Rock Against Bush]] tour in September and October 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/9981/tours-rock-against-bush-tour|title=Rock Against Bush Tour|publisher=Punknews.org|author=White, Adam|date=August 17, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021}}</ref> They closed out the year with a tour of Germany with the [[Donots]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/10577/tours-strike-anywhere-germany-dates-with-the-donots|title=Strike Anywhere Germany dates with the Donots|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Shultz, Brian|date=October 23, 2004|accessdate=October 28, 2021}}</ref> "Two Fuses", an outtake from the album's recording sessions, appeared on the band's first compilation album ''To Live in Discontent'' in 2005.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=To Live in Discontent|others=Strike Anywhere|year=2005|type=booklet|publisher=Jade Tree|id=JT1101}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Album ratings
| rev1      = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=AMreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/exit-english-mw0000325038|title=Exit English - Strike Anywhere {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|author=Spano, Charles|accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
| rev2      = ''[[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Boston Phoenix]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=TBPreview>{{cite web|url=https://bostonphoenix.com/boston/music/otr/documents/03766525.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040620072427/https://bostonphoenix.com/boston/music/otr/documents/03766525.asp|title=Alien Ant Farm Anthology|work=[[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Boston Phoenix]]|author=Richardson, Sean|date=April 23–29, 2004|archivedate=June 20, 2004|accessdate=February 20, 2023}}</ref>
| rev3      = ''[[CMJ|CMJ New Music Monthly]]''
| rev3Score = Favorable<ref name=CMJreview>{{cite magazine|last=Wood|first=Mikael|title=Reviews|magazine=CMJ New Music Monthly|date=December 2001|issue=119|issn=1074-6978|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EioEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60}}</ref>
| rev4      = ''[[Exclaim!]]''
| rev4Score = Favorable<ref name=Exclaimreview>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/strike_anywhere-exit_english|title=Strike Anywhere Exit English|work=Exclaim!|author=Green, Stuart|date=January 1, 2006|accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
| rev5      = ''[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]''
| rev5Score = 3/5<ref name=Nowreview>{{cite web|url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/strike-anywhere|title=Strike Anywhere|work=Now|author=Young, Dylan|date=July 29, 2004|accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
| rev6      = ''[[Ox-Fanzine]]''
| rev6Score = 7/10<ref name=Oxreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.ox-fanzine.de/review/strike-anywhere-exit-english-lp-cd-35867|title=Strike Anywhere Exit English LP/CD|work=Ox-Fanzine|author=Hiller, Joachim|date=September–November 2003|accessdate=March 20, 2021|language=DE}}</ref>
| rev7      = Punknews.org
| rev7Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=PNreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/2323/strike-anywhere-exit-english|title=Strike Anywhere - Exit English|publisher=Punknews.org|author=Shultz, Brian|date=October 3, 2003|accessdate=March 20, 2021}}</ref>
| rev8      = ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]''
| rev8score = 7/10<ref name=RHreview>{{cite web|url=https://rockhard.de/reviews/strike-anywhere-exit-english_253527.html|title=Strike Anywhere - Exit English|work=Rock Hard|author=Jaedike, Jan|date=November 11, 2003|access-date=March 20, 2021|language=DE}}</ref>
}}
''Exit English'' was met with generally favorable reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. [[AllMusic]] reviewer Charles Spano wrote that the album was "as fun as it is serious -- equal parts pogo punk and agitprop anti-authoritarianism." He said that the "only real drawback" was that Strike Anywhere's contemporaries were pushing their sound, while they were "firmly planted in the moment during 1994", which wasn't "a bad place to be, but the members of Strike Anywhere have more in them than that."<ref name=AMreview/> ''[[CMJ|CMJ New Music Monthly]]''{{'s}} Mikael Wood noted that ''Exit English'' was rooted in a "tradition of positively minded, progressively political hardcore [...] which means that what the disc lacks in musical subtlety, it makes for in well-meaning sentiment".<ref name=CMJreview/> Stuart Green of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' found that the band took "a few musical chances by slowing down the tempos and revisiting the old-school punk of the late 70s", showcasing growth "both musically and lyrically."<ref name=Exclaimreview/>  ''[[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Boston Phoenix]]'' writer Sean Richardson said for a punk act with a "strident anti-corporate agenda, Strike Anywhere are intent on keeping their lyrics positive and their music upbeat".<ref name=TBPreview/>

Punknews.org staff member Brian Shultz wrote that ''Exist English'' had a "more complete sound" than their debut, with Strike Anywhere showing that they "have lit the match and have already set it ablaze."<ref name=PNreview/> Andrew Sacher of ''[[BrooklynVegan]]'' remarked that it was "more approachable record than the band's debut, but it stays just as true to the band's hardcore roots and political message".<ref name=BVretro>{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/10-classic-hardcore-albums-turning-20-in-2023/|title=10 Classic Hardcore Albums Turning 20 in 2023|work=[[BrooklynVegan]]|author=Sacher, Andrew|date=June 29, 2023|accessdate=June 29, 2023}}</ref> ''[[Ox-Fanzine]]'' reviewer Joachim Hiller called ''Exist English'' "a rousing, mature album", full of "rousing hardcore" that "extends the known old school elements here more than before with newer elements, sometimes only stopping a hand's breadth in front of [[screamo]] colleagues like [[Thrice]] and Co."<ref name=Oxreview/> ''[[Rock Hard (magazine)|Rock Hard]]'' writer Jan Jaedike said ''Exist English'' had a handful of "really fine hooks [that] fall off without neglecting the aggro portion. Good slice!"<ref name=RHreview/> ''[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]'' contributor Dylan Young wrote that the album consisted of "a tight blend of strident rhythms, scattershot drums, casual chatter and laryngitis-inducing wails." He mentioned that "[t]one-wise, it’s a little unrealistic – you know, bleeding-heart {{notatypo|naive}}, {{notatypo|dystopically}} obstructed, {{notatypo|utopically}} transcended and anthemically hopeful."<ref name=Nowreview/>

==Track listing==
#"We Amplify" – 1:04
#"Blaze" – 2:02
#"Infrared" – 3:28
#"To the World" – 3:22
#"New Architects" – 2:34
#"Lights Go Out" – 2:28
#"Fifth Estate" – 1:19
#"Modern Life" – 2:55
#"Aluminum Union" – 2:45
#"Extinguish" – 2:47
#"In the Fingernails" – 2:29
#"'Til Days Shall Be No More" – 4:34

==Personnel==
*Thomas Barnett - Lead vocals
*Matt Smith - Guitar
*Matt Sherwood - Guitar
*Garth Petrie - Bass
*Eric Kane - Drums

All members of the band contributed vocals on several tracks.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050321210441/http://65.108.164.40/interview_strike%20anywhere_14.html Tour diary about Australia and Japan] at ''[[AMP (magazine)|AMP]]''

{{Strike Anywhere}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Strike Anywhere albums]]
[[Category:2003 albums]]
[[Category:Jade Tree (record label) albums]]