Rash
Brigada Flores Magón
A Call to Arms: The Antifascist Anthem of Brigada Flores Magón
Brigada Flores Magón's song "Rash" is a powerful anthem that resonates with the spirit of resistance and antifascism. The lyrics, primarily in French with some English phrases, evoke a sense of historical continuity and militant activism. The opening lines, "Héritiers des luttes d'hier / Militants d'aujourd'hui," translate to "Heirs of yesterday's struggles / Militants of today," establishing a direct link between past and present battles against oppression. The song calls for strength and pride, urging listeners to see their urban environment as a battleground for their cause.
The song's chorus, "We are the Reds!" is a rallying cry for unity among those who identify with leftist ideologies. The lyrics address the dangers of fascism, racism, and intolerance, emphasizing the need for active resistance. The line "Les fascistes veulent tenir la rue" (The fascists want to control the streets) highlights the urgency of reclaiming public spaces from oppressive forces. The song also references historical antifascist struggles, such as those in Madrid and Berlin, drawing parallels to contemporary fights against similar threats.
Brigada Flores Magón, known for their punk and ska influences, infuse their music with political messages. The mention of "Redskin, redskin, red skinhead" and "Red and Anarchist Skin Heads" (RASH) reflects the band's alignment with the RASH movement, which combines skinhead culture with leftist and anarchist ideologies. This song serves as both a tribute to past fighters and a call to action for current and future generations, encouraging them to stand firm against fascism and injustice.