Category: | Review - Internet | Publish date: | 9/30/2010 |
Source: | jsonline.com (United States) | ||
Synopsis: |
The Dissent Of Man
by Jon M. Gilbertson
jsonline.com, September 30, 2010
In his later years, Lenny Bruce was given to say, "There's nothing sadder than an aging hipster." That line could usefully be applied to almost any rock band that's been around for more than a decade - but not to Bad Religion, which has lasted for three decades.
On its 15th album, "The Dissent of Man," the California group does not remain as angry as ever, which is the first good sign, because youthful rage too often curdles with time. The second good sign: Bad Religion hasn't let the years dim or mellow its sense of purposeful righteousness.
With Racine native Greg Graffin in fine voice and leading the way, "The Dissent of Man" fires off blistering broadsides such as "Meeting of the Minds," tells hopeful tales such as "The Devil in Stitches" and outlines philosophical points in "Ad Hominem."
There might be nothing sadder than an aging hipster, but there's also nothing more bracing than grown-up punk rock.