BURN THE SWASTIKA, the latest single from Australian punk duo The Cunning Linguists of Clare Easdown and Jade Ryan, is a relentless surge of urgency and raw intensity. Released on February 9, 2025, this explosive track is an unfiltered, fearless rejection of racism and fascist ideology, channeling the rebellious energy of punk icons like Bikini Kill, Fugazi, and Amyl and the Sniffers. With its bold message and ferocious delivery, BURN THE SWASTIKA isn’t just a song—it’s a battle cry. From the first distorted guitar riff and commanding percussion, the song wastes no time in making its intentions clear. Clare Easdown’s raw, gritty production captures the DIY essence of punk, evoking the energy of underground scenes where protest anthems are born. The recording, done in Easdown’s home studio, adds an unpolished, almost live feel, making the listener feel like they’re right in the pit of a packed Sydney venue. There’s an immediacy to the sound—this isn’t music made for passive listening; it’s meant to shake, rattle, and provoke.
Lyrically, BURN THE SWASTIKA is as direct as its title suggests. Jade Ryan’s words pull no punches, calling out racism and bigotry with an intensity that feels almost like a furious sermon. The track was deeply inspired by recent events, particularly the unsettling presence of neo-Nazis marching on Australia Day (or, as the duo aptly calls it, Invasion Day). The lyrics seethe with anger and frustration, yet they also carry an undeniable sense of empowerment. This is not just protest for protest’s sake—it’s a demand for action, a declaration that silence is no longer an option. Vocally, Easdown and Ryan deliver a blistering performance. Easdown’s lead vocals are both commanding and unfiltered, dripping with rebellion and conviction. There’s a certain manic energy in the way she spits out each line, mirroring the rage and defiance at the heart of the song. Ryan’s presence in the background, whether in shouted harmonies or raw call-and-response sections, adds another layer of urgency, making it feel like a collective rallying cry rather than a solo effort.
Musically, the song leans into classic punk aggression—fast-paced, distorted, and relentless. The guitar work is jagged and biting, with a sense of controlled chaos that keeps the energy high from start to finish. The drum programming is punchy and propulsive, driving the song forward with a restless momentum that refuses to let up. The track is intentionally abrasive, designed to make listeners uncomfortable in the best way possible—forcing them to confront its message head-on.
What makes BURN THE SWASTIKA truly stand out is its unfiltered authenticity. The Cunning Linguists are not interested in subtlety or compromise; they are here to make noise, to challenge, and to expose the ugliness of hate for what it is. In an era where sanitized activism often takes precedence, their approach is refreshingly unapologetic. They don’t care about mass appeal or commercial success—what matters is the message, and they make damn sure it’s heard. In a time of rising political tensions, BURN THE SWASTIKA is exactly the kind of song punk was made for. It’s raw, furious, and absolutely essential listening.
Garcia Penned 🖊️
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