In a testament to enduring artistic relevance, Miami’s own Against All Authority (AAA), the venerable ska-punk outfit, is poised to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their seminal third album, 24 Hour Roadside Resistance. Originally unleashed in 2000, the album’s fiery critiques of societal ills, urban decay, and political corruption feel startlingly current, cementing its status as a prescient work for a new generation. The band, known for its uncompromising D.I.Y. ethos and politically charged lyrics, will mark this significant milestone with a special performance at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale on August 30, 2025, joined by special guests Catbite and Rehasher.
The Unwavering Spirit of Miami Punk
Against All Authority emerged from Cutler Ridge in Miami-Dade County in 1992, quickly establishing themselves as a powerful voice within the burgeoning ska-punk scene. Driven by a desire to challenge economic disparities and champion human commonalities, founding members Danny Lore (bassist and vocalist) and Joe Koontz (guitarist and vocalist) became the bedrock of a band that would tour relentlessly and leave an indelible mark. Their early days were characterized by a fierce do-it-yourself philosophy, booking their own shows, recording their own material, and even hand-silk-screening their merchandise. This grassroots approach helped them cultivate a dedicated following, particularly in the local music scene at venues like the Kitchen Club and later, the iconic Cheers, which transformed into a vital all-ages punk hub in Miami.
After a prolific run, AAA disbanded in 2007, with members exploring other paths; Lore, for instance, moved to Gainesville and became a seasoned bladesmith, while Koontz continued making music and crafting guitars. However, the call of their collective past proved strong. Following a 15-year hiatus, Against All Authority triumphantly reunited at The Fest in Gainesville in 2022, performing on the main stage and drawing a significant contingent of loyal South Florida fans who traveled north to witness their heroes’ return. The palpable energy at that reunion underscored the lasting impact of their raw, impassioned sound.
24 Hour Roadside Resistance: A Quarter-Century of Truth
24 Hour Roadside Resistance arrived as Against All Authority’s third album, signaling a noticeable shift towards a more aggressive, harder-edged sound. This evolution was directly inspired by their experience touring the United States with the legendary hardcore punk band GBH, whose thrashier and speedier assault resonated deeply with AAA’s members. The album, first available on vinyl in 2000, is now being re-released as a 25th-anniversary edition, allowing both longtime devotees and new listeners to experience its power.
Lyrically, the album delves into themes that remain profoundly relevant today, tackling environmental degradation, police brutality, systemic oppression, surveillance, and exploitation. Danny Lore recently reflected on the album’s prophetic qualities, particularly the opening lines of “I’m Weak Inside”: “The towers grow and the skies are slowly replaced with the cold gray structures that lay to waste.” Lore observed that on a recent visit to Miami, driving through Princeton, much of the farmland he knew from his youth had vanished, replaced by concrete and development, eerily echoing the quarter-century-old lyrics.
Another poignant track, “I Think You Think Too Much,” recounts a real-life incident where Canadian authorities confiscated the band’s merchandise and equipment during a tour, accusing them of spreading “anti-government propaganda”. The album also notably includes a spoken-word segment, “The Source of Strontium 90,” featuring a member of the Radiation and Public Health Project discussing the risks of radioactive fallout for children in South Florida. These narratives, woven into a tapestry of driving punk rhythms and dynamic ska horns, offer a compelling and often stark commentary on the world.
Legacy and Enduring Message
The enduring relevance of 24 Hour Roadside Resistance underscores Against All Authority’s commitment to social and political commentary. In an era marked by increasing global awareness of climate change, persistent social injustices, and growing concerns about civil liberties, the album’s themes resonate with renewed urgency. Joe Koontz expressed the band’s hope that the anniversary will encourage listeners to engage critically with their surroundings. “We want people to listen to these songs and think about what’s going on today and just open up your eyes and see what’s going around in the world around us,” he stated, emphasizing concerns about diminishing freedoms.
Against All Authority’s return to the stage and the celebration of this pivotal album are more than just a nostalgic trip; they are a reaffirmation of the band’s core message that resistance is a continuous, 24-hour endeavor. The upcoming news of their Fort Lauderdale show is an all-ages event, inviting diverse generations to experience the powerful music that has defined a significant chapter of Miami’s punk history and continues to speak truth to power.
