Surf Nicaragua

by Alex Henderson

Sacred Reich continued to progress with Surf Nicaragua, which boasts better production than Ignorance, as well as stronger and more confident singing from Phil Rind. The band used speed more judiciously this time, and its members continued to grow as musicians. Highlights of this EP range from a likable cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" -- which fits in perfectly with Reich's generally grim outlook -- to original material like "One Nation" (a call for Americans to reject racism and bigotry and work together to improve things) and the title song, a dark-humored number fearing the possibility of young Americans being forced to go to war in Nicaragua. Also included are blistering live versions of "Ignorance" and "Death Squad" (both heard as studio songs on Ignorance). While novices should start out with The American Way, Reich's more devoted fans will want this EP.