Stars & Stripes from Boston were formed in 1989 as a side project of Jack “Choke” Kelly from Slapshot. The main idea was to create a patriotic Oi! band with a provocative attitude and a clearly defined identity. Over the years, the band has released three full-length albums, one EP, and a split with Lion’s Law. I saw them live a few years back in Bratislava, and it was quite an experience. An uninvolved observer could easily have had the impression they were watching a Marine recruitment band when the group took the stage — the energy and presentation matched that image perfectly.
In recent years, the lineup has heavily overlapped with Slapshot. A quick comparison between the lineup that recorded this album in 2015 and the Slapshot lineup that recorded Make America Hate Again (2018) shows a 75% overlap, with only the drummer being different. As mentioned, the album was originally released in 2015 on Old Tyme Records and Brass City Boss Sounds. This repress came out at the end of 2025 on Contra Records, with updated artwork handled by Flo M. W. Herman — which is a guarantee of quality.
In the band’s discography, this is their third full-length album. The debut is packed with hits and still holds a strong reputation, while the second record was received a bit more lukewarmly, despite featuring several very solid tracks. Planet Of The States is, however, a genuinely strong album that maintains a consistent level of quality across all thirteen songs. It’s Oi! in a mid-tempo to slower range, built on a heavy bass foundation, solid riffs, and excellent singalong parts. Choke’s distinctive voice stands out as a defining element — here he has more room for melodic expression than in Slapshot, yet he still remains front and center.
Lyrically, the album blends sarcasm and irony from the perspective of a slightly detached observer with themes of politics, history, and the current state of society. At the same time, it doesn’t position itself as blindly superior — instead, it also takes aim at its own ranks, whether that means politicians, police, or issues rooted within the scene itself.
From side A, I’d definitely highlight Hip Hip Hooray, which targets social issues, along with Don’t Tread On Me and Kick ’Em When They’re Down. Don’t Tread On Me is especially engaging musically, largely thanks to its strong singalong sections — something that already works well from the opening title track Planet Of The States. Kick ’Em When They’re Down lyrically recalls songs like Had It With Unity from Slapshot, where Choke doesn’t hesitate to call out flaws within the scene itself.
On side B, subcultural themes alternate with lightly patriotic but strongly critical motifs. The classic scene theme is represented by The Dying Breed. Social and “patriotic” themes are further explored in It’s What We Do, Unsung Hero, and Keep Your Enemies Closer. Twilight’s Last Gleaming slightly echoes Hang On To Your Dreams from the band’s second album in its execution. Overall, the record feels like Choke trying to come to terms with the issues affecting American society, as well as the export of American values worldwide — while also turning a critical eye back on the scene itself.
For fans of Slapshot, this is definitely an interesting addition to the catalog of their favorites, even if it takes a slightly different approach. What stands out most about this album is its ability to offer a different yet still critical perspective on social themes. Sure, a few genre clichés are present — but without them, it probably wouldn’t feel complete. That said, the provocative undertone and the effort to look at things from a different angle are what really make it work.
