Perspective

Rollins' point of view is informed by hardcore punk rock. He values loud, hard, technically intense music, which makes him feel organized inside, galvanized, and motivated. Rollins was the fourth singer for Black Flag, and he seems to be sensitive to the fact that he had not created the Black Flag songs themselves, but he knows that he is the most intense singer who has ever come to these songs, and he is reassured by the fans' letters, which he includes, comparing him favorably to Greg Ginn, one of the founders of Black Flag.

Tone

Rollins' language is straightforward and simple, with strong appeal of call-it-like-it-is style and rough profanity-laced rants. Rollins cultivates an authorial persona that is interested only in essentials, and he keeps his interests close to home. He abstracts a Spartan philosophy from his day-to-day activities and the focus and aggression he needs to keep...