Attacking oppression with a fresh face.

PO$T AMERICAN is the sophomore album from the Punk rock band, Dead Pioneers. Originating from Denver, Colorado, the group presents intense political confrontation from an indigenous perspective and reiterates that most racial adversity is abandoned in modern, capitalist America. While fairly new to the scene, with their first album released in 2023, this outspoken voice charges their music with the kind of revolution that all great Punk bands strive to set their songs on fire. Another one of the strengths of PO$T AMERICAN is its multifaceted musical nature. In fifteen songs, the band covers a substantial amount of ground musically and meaningfully. The main vocalist, Gregg Deal, leads the group through various compositions while simultaneously engaging in serious political conversations. Their advocacy and distinct musical elements work together to create a vivid piece of punk art. 

The album opens up with a traditional Native American song in “A.I.M.” with a steady drum beat and a strong, melodious voice. The drum line fades into an electric pulse as the voice falters before all sound is completely cut off. After a quick break of silence, a voice speaks: “Sometimes, they have to kill us / They have to kill us / Because they can’t break our spirit.” It is an enticing introduction that incites potent anticipation for what is to come next.

Track one filters directly into track two, “PO$T AMERICAN,” which immediately begins with an intense electric guitar chord sequence. It is as if this second track pulls back the curtain from the first to reveal a grand rock concert awaiting the listener. The beat is loud and abrasive and corroborates Deal’s hostile lyrics. Rather than sing, Deal speaks into the song as a rallying leader of truth. He states, “Celebrate white independence / Great / All the white folks get a clean slate.” A song of accusation, its melody turns somber as it unveils many shocking hypocrisies inherent in the American socioeconomic system. 

Track eleven, “Bloodletting Carnival,” offers another pressing argument regarding racism in America. Deal begins, “I have been a person of periphery my whole life / As we enter a new era of oppressive ghouls gleefully oppressing / A collection realization takes hold / That we’re all being pushed into the margins of American value / American assets / American earning potential.” As a more vulnerable approach, the song also exemplifies the wide sound spectrum of the album as it uses a piano as its sole instrument, which plays a soft, melancholic melody. It is one of the most emotional songs in the collection as it features the effects of American negligence on children. 

The remaining songs of PO$T AMERICAN are just as poignant as they are exposing of the narrow expression of freedom, they believe that America has to offer. As they share their experiences, Dead Pioneers draws an unsettling perception that is personal in its purpose and innovative in its sound. Released on April 11, 2025, it is available for listening now.