Sticking to their more aggressive punk roots, Rancid's fifth record is an album in which the band seems to be operating an out of control bus that instead of slowing down only speeds up. Fast and out of control, the record shows less and less of the reggae influence present on their last two records, opting more for the straight ahead, middle finger in the face approach that fueled their first record. That's right, the days of seeing Rancid on MTV are long gone, especially since profanity on the record is at a surplus. Tim Armstrong once again delivers his trademark sloppy vocals that have for years been one of the most recognizable voices in punk music, but unfortunately doesn't sing on every song, giving Lars and Matt a chance to sing what end up being for the most part throwaway tracks. With the record they prove once again to be one of the most important punk rock bands of the present generation, but even for a band as full of energy and rebellion as Rancid, the record is not flawless and makes the non-punk listener wonder why they didn't slow down a little and develop some of the songs more instead of just whizzing through the 22 tracks in such a relentless pace.
B+
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by MarkIt's about time! Rancid has wisely decided to drop all reggae/ska influences from their music and go back to what they do best, full throttle punk rock. Despite what they'd have you believe, this band actually has talent (especially bass player extraordinaire Matt Freeman ) and knows how to write great punk anthems. No, they don't have perfect harmonies (not even close) and they don't sing about…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Luke HarlowRancid lives up to the billing of the band that played it. Rancid is flat out, in the history of the genre, one of the best bands to play punk rock. Their early songs are now classics and they are, as a band, easily one of the most recognizable names in punk rock's modern era. In their first recording in over two years, Rancid does not disappoint. The songs are a return to days before ska and…Similar sounding releases
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