The Offspring - Let The Bad Times Roll
Before listening to this, I decided to delve into the back catalogue somewhat. My first introduction to the band was “Smash” (the first time around), and I must admit that after “Conspiracy of One” I kind of drifted away, for no specific reason that I can think of. Anyway, I digress….
The new album is an absolute monster, and I found myself transported back to the glory day that I remember so fondly. Dexter’s voice is as good as ever, and every song is a punch square on the jaw. Pop/punk is a fiercely competitive sector, and there are some big hitters contained therein, but The Offspring have endured, releasing album after album. This in itself is quite an achievement.
Despite being instantly familiar, it’s not the case of releasing the same album over and over. Yes, their style hasn’t changed, nor has their philosophy, but they’ve always kept their subject matter relevant to current events and social discord, which is why the music is so relatable.
The album is just over thirty minutes, and contains twelve tracks, so averaging under three minutes each. They’re most certainly going for the tried and tested “short sharp shock” approach, and of course it works brilliantly.
No album from these guys would be complete without at least one track that makes you giggle, even just a little, and “We Never Have Sex Anymore” is one such track. I’m sure it’s supposed to be serious, but that’s just not the way it comes across, unless I have a very warped sense of humour, which is entirely possible….
To say that I enjoyed listening to this new album would be an understatement, but I’m not entirely sure I absolutely love it, though a few more listens might remedy that, and it’s not something you’ll get tired of in a hurry, so I’ll be listening to it a great many more times in the near future.
9/10
