Conservative Military Image – No Squares In Our Circle
Released: April 4, 2024
Format: Vinyl EP, Digital Download
Label: Triple-B Records
From: Chicago, IL
Chicago’s Conservative Military Image (CMI) is back at it with their April 2024 release, No Squares In Our Circle. This five-track EP is an unapologetic banger that’s destined to dominate year-end hardcore and oi! lists. Mixing gritty hardcore energy with the working-class anthems of oi!, CMI continues to prove they’re in a league of their own.
CMI: Hardcore Meets Oi!
If you’re already a fan of CMI, you know they’ve been on a tear. 2023 brought us the essentials Casual Violence and One Year Of Dumb Skinhead Shit, following their debut cassette Skinhead. That early release also got a limited 7” pressing in Germany on Lionheart Records, for you vinyl heads out there.
CMI isn’t just about the music—they cater to collectors with stunning artwork and an array of limited-edition vinyl, from splatters to wild colors. This attention to detail makes their records as collectible as they are listenable.
The Songs: No Filler, All Killer
No Squares In Our Circle delivers five tracks that hit harder than a steel-toe boot. “Indoor Skins” stands out as an instant classic, pairing infectious riffs with razor-sharp lyrics. “Guilty Until Compliant” and “Scam Likely” are equally unforgettable, proving CMI can crank out anthems that stay in your head for days.
Every track made it onto my monthly playlist, and this EP is guaranteed to land in my top 10 releases of the year. If you’re looking for raw, aggressive, and downright addictive hardcore, this is the record for you.
A Band With Stories to Tell
CMI’s live shows are just as memorable as their records. I first met Adam Voss, their frontman, at Detroit’s 2023 Black Christmas Festival. Picture this: the band tossing rolls of $1 bills into the crowd and encouraging fans to use the cash to help others, buy a drink, or just spread some goodwill.
Not knowing who he was, I mistook Adam for security while he held a roll of cash near the door. After pleading for a few minutes to let me back to my car, he revealed he was in the band! Since then, I’ve caught them at the Punk Rock Museum and Punk Rock Bowling, and they’ve only gotten better.
One standout moment was at the Punk Rock Museum, where they played “Charlie From Hardcore” and explained the backstory behind the song. It’s these personal touches that make CMI a band you don’t just listen to—you connect with.
For Fans Of…
If you’re into hardcore, oi!, or both, CMI is a must-listen. Fans of Agnostic Front, Cock Sparrer, The Bruisers, Warzone, or Slapshotwill find plenty to love in No Squares In Our Circle.
Final Thoughts
No Squares In Our Circle is a five-track masterclass in blending hardcore and oi! into something undeniably fresh. Whether you’re moshing in the pit or spinning splatter vinyl in your living room, this EP delivers on all fronts.
Don’t sleep on Conservative Military Image. Whether you’re new to the band or a longtime fan, this release is an essential addition to your collection. Pick it up on vinyl or digital download, crank it loud, and let No Squares In Our Circle remind you why hardcore and oi! are the perfect pairing.
