The Gray Race
Atlantic

For once the advance actually gives a proper idea as to the music. Is this the one to make the Bad Religion cover boys of Sassy? Can they capture the interest of pre-teens who ignored the Circle Jerks and All even as they snapped up “product” by the third generation? Ric Ocasek produced with the band. All songs were written by Greg Graffin and Brian Baker, who has filled the vacant guitar slot. Baker was formerly in Minor Threat. Stranger Than Fiction raised their profile slightly. If the tour with Pearl Jam had actually happened that record might have broken them through. The career retrospective Epitaph released helped even more. I’ve seen eight-year-olds picking it up. Anyone thinking punk rock has burned itself out needs The Gray Race. Melodic guitars, harmonies, speed, songs, anthems are all included. “The Gray Race,” “A Walk,” “Parallel,” “Pity The Dead,” and that’s only the first side. “Spirit Shine” continues the onslaught on side two. I don’t know, maybe they are too old to capture the imaginations of punk’s new generation. I thought the Circle Jerks had the best punk rock record of ’95 and we all saw they ended up. The label group appeared more interested in breaking Joan Osbourne than promoting Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities. Greg Hetson must be happier in Bad Religion. I have two months to enjoy the cassette and memorize the lyrics before the CD hits the stores. Somehow I doubt anything more impressive is going to appear in the meantime. The Gray Race is scheduled for release on February 27. Hopefully a club tour will follow.

- Chia Head