Anti-Everything

Anti-Everything is a punk band from Trinidad and Tobago and holds the distinction of being the country’s only punk band. Formed in 2000, Anti-Everything has consistently pushed the boundaries of punk rock, blending elements of alternative rock, reggae, dub, and ska while incorporating steel pan, a nod to their Caribbean roots. Their music focuses on political and social issues, especially those affecting their home country, with occasional forays into personal topics and fun, lighthearted tracks.

History

Anti-Everything was formed in 2000 in St. Joseph, located about 11 kilometers east of Port of Spain. At the time of their founding, all the band members were teenagers, and they chose their name to reflect a general attitude of rebellion and discontent. Lead singer Bryan Khan and guitarist Randy Ali became central figures in the band’s evolution, and their later relocation to Europe in the early 2010s changed the band’s approach to creating music. Despite the distance, the band continued to develop songs via online collaboration and recorded when all members were temporarily in Trinidad. In 2021, Khan returned to Trinidad while Ali remained in Belgium, continuing their long-distance collaboration.

In 2019, Anti-Everything made history as the first Trinidadian rock band to tour Europe, performing in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. This tour solidified their international presence, and they followed it up with another European tour in 2022, this time covering ten countries. These tours showcased the band’s unique blend of punk rock and Caribbean influences to a global audience, further establishing their reputation outside their home country.

Style and Influences

Anti-Everything’s sound is rooted in punk rock with influences from both old-school bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat, and newer acts like Pennywise and Strike Anywhere. The band also acknowledges the influence of traditional calypso music, known for its socially conscious lyrics. This combination of influences creates a sound that is distinctly their own, mixing fast-paced punk with the rhythms and melodies of Trinidad’s calypso and Caribbean heritage.

Reggae, dub, and ska elements often find their way into the band’s music, reflecting their ability to cross genre boundaries. Additionally, the occasional use of the steel pan gives a local flavor to their otherwise global punk rock sound. Lyrically, the band tackles heavy subjects like political and social conflicts in Trinidad and Tobago, the struggle for identity, and personal issues, while some tracks simply capture the fun, energetic spirit of punk.

Discography

Albums

• The International Conspiracy to Push You Down (2009, Boatshrimp Records)
• Children of a Globalised World (2011, Boatshrimp Records)

EPs

• Decision 2010 (2010, Boatshrimp Records)
• Please Do Your Job (Properly) (2010, Boatshrimp Records)
• A Folly of Its Own (2015, Boatshrimp Records)
• Harbour Ties (2017, Boatshrimp Records)
• Congestión (2018, Boatshrimp Records)
• Fowl Fete (2020, Boatshrimp Records)
• COAGX (2021, Boatshrimp Records)

Sampler Contributions

• Boatshrimp Records Sampler Volume 1 (2007, track “Way Too Long”)
• Boatshrimp Records Sampler Volume 2 (2007, tracks “Jimmy” and “Crowded”)
• Greenlight Network Vol. 1 (2007, track “The Way We Choose to Live Our Lives”)
• Punktology Vol. 1 (2011, Punk Outlaw Records, tracks “New Generation” and “Ratchet Design”)
• Hardcore 4 Syria (2012, track “Gravity On Hold”)