OpCritical Reimagines Protest Tradition with Urgent Anthem “Not Alone”

“Not Alone” marks the debut release from U.S.-based band OpCritical, the band formed in 2026 with a singular mission: confront what they describe as rising domestic authoritarianism through music and visual storytelling. The track deliberately references Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the 1970 anthem written after the Kent State shootings. That historical parallel is not subtle. OpCritical positions its single within the lineage of American protest music that seeks to influence public consciousness during moments of national tension.

The band rewrites the lyrical framework to address contemporary immigration enforcement actions and what they characterize as militarized responses to civilian protest. Their refrain “together we’re not alone” is structured as a unifying chant rather than a poetic abstraction. The production mirrors the urgency of its predecessor: guitar-driven, direct, and intentionally unpolished to preserve immediacy.

The accompanying video sharpens the message. A child watching cartoons is abruptly confronted with images of uniformed men confronting civilians. An ICE-clad figure attempts to silence her before dissolving as red, white, and blue balloons rise, a symbolic reversal of fear through collective presence. The imagery is overt, designed to provoke rather than subtly persuade.

OpCritical states that this is the first in a continuing series of releases aimed at sustaining civic engagement. Whether one agrees with the framing or not, “Not Alone” functions as a clear artifact of its political moment, documenting dissent, demanding unity, and insisting that protest remains part of the American tradition.