We're Not in This Alone [Vinyl]

From the opening declaration of ''Flame Still Burns'' onward, We're Not in This Alone stands as Youth of Today's most accessible document of positive force. The album's speedy kinetic energy and affirmative content indicate a large 7 Seconds influence. Youth of Today, though, give their compositions the New York City treatment, meaning there are mosh-ready breakdowns and an overall heaviness not present in earlier posi-punk predecessors. And though their musical prowess is noteworthy, We're Not in This Alone's most enduring legacy is the song ''No More,'' Ray Cappo's anti-selfishness, anti-meat manifesto. This song provided a platform for the vegetarian movement in hardcore, confirming Youth of Today's suspicions that their music could serve as a vehicle for change.

AllMusic Review by Matt Kantor