Category: | Review - Internet | Publish date: | 1/22/2013 |
Source: | rockersphere.com.au (Australia) | ||
Synopsis: |
True North
Bad Religion – True North – Epitaph Records – For fans of, Greenday, Circle Jerks and Black Flag.
With their latest offering “True North” Punk rock heavyweights Bad Religion take us back to the early 90s and give us another slice of the Southern Californian style they helped develop. Brimming with trademark pop goodness this album demands a second, third and fourth listen. The instantly identifiable voice of Greg Graffin coupled with the catchy songwriting takes us back to the bygone times of early nineties second generation punk. The opening title track “True North” sets the pace early in the piece and it’s obvious this is a full blooded punk record. Incorporating typically cynical themes the over arching premise is one of hope and self-discovery. The anachronistic beast that is Bad Religion show once again that 2 minute songs can offer real depth with tracks like “The Island” and “Land of Endless Greed” proving that less can be more. Other notables include the frantic “Past is Dead” that cynically reflects on holding on to the past and “Robin Hood in Reverse” is a tuned back example of powerful lyrics meeting powerful melody.
Stripped back to nothing but the bare essentials this 16 tracker is brimming with Sonic pleasurables. And with a band of this vintage it all comes in measured doses. The first single off the album is “Fuck You” is what you expect a fast paced angry middle finger to the world. Although not the most mature and deep track the band has ever made it makes it’s point. “Dharma and the Bomb” and “Vanity” seem like unnecessary Poly Fillers in a record that well and truly hits the mark. An album full of memorable melodies and spiced with surprisingly original guitar solo’s this is one that will be on heavy rotation in the CD stacker for some time to come.