Oddly enough, this album doesn't start off with a 30 second sound clip. That being said, the album blasts off immediately with pure hardcore fury. For those not familiar with the band, do not let this description repel you. These guys belt out their hardcore with a fresh dose of pop-punk and melodic, yet abrasive vocals. In fact, their style, influenced by bands like Dag Nasty and Bad Religion, has propelled them as one of the best-selling bands on Fat Wreck Chords. And Russ Rankin and gang remain one of the most respected men in punk rock.
I know, I know, you are still uneasy about giving the band a chance because I said they are on Fat Wreck. Well, it must be pointed out. However, the band is more than an average run-of-the-mill, snotty, and whiny, pop-punk band. They are also more than some generic hardcore band, as mentioned before. Songs are actually distinguishable from one another and the lyrics are full of purpose, intelligence, and emotion. Russ still has a way of connecting with their fans, something especially noticeable at GR shows.
For the fans that, for some reason, do not have the album yet, there isn't that much of a stray from most of the older records. It's basically the same melodic punk rock they have been perfecting for years. They seem to have reverted a little more to their older, faster style. However, it isn't so similar that it becomes horrible and repetitive like a Pennywise album. There are just a few times where you may ask yourself, "Hey, don't I already own a few copies of this album?"
Honestly though, I would have much rather seen more activity with the members' side projects. Front man Russ's other group, Creep Division, hadn't been very active since the early 00s until recently. The band did release a split with I Want Out, but it really should have been just a new full length. The first, last, and only Creep Division album came out in 2000. Also, there is Paint it Black, Dave's side project with Dan Yemin of Lifetime/Kid Dynamite. Their album CVA was reviewed recently, so check that out (shameless plug). It would have been great to see both bands tour a lot more and to even work on more songs rather than have another Good Riddance album, but the new CD is still decent enough to check out.
