Rancid - Indestructible





Listening to Indestructible, I got the impression that Rancid wanted to bring all their older albums together, put in a little new twist, and come out with a new record. Ever since "And Out Come the Wolves", the bar was set impossibly high for Rancid, and they didn't even come close to having an album as solid as that one on their next 2 releases. However, they are no longer playing gutter/thrash/punk like they did on their last cd. They are back to amazing melodic punk rock amazing harmonies that have you singing along with every song. With this album, Rancid proves that they are one of the best modern punk bands out there.

The problem with Rancid's last, untitled CD is that they were trying so hard to be "real punk" they stifled their own talent, resulting in a CD that sounded generic and one-dimensional. They had apparently forgotten that Rancid was never just another punk band and shouldn't try to sound like one.

Sure, the guys can still punk out on songs like "Out of Control" and the Black Flag-ish "Roadblock." But they've also rediscovered their ability to write strong hooks on songs like "Start Now," "Tropical London," and the (perhaps a tad too) radio friendly "Fall Back Down." Their forays into other musical styles no longer sound like forced experiments (as did some of the weaker tracks on "Life"), but as if they've fully incorporated the style into their songwriting and are making it their own (the infectious, ska-infused "Red Hot Moon"). They've even cooked up a bonafide rock 'n' roll anthem in "Spirit of '87," a song that even people who hate punk will find irresistible.

One advantage of the new songs is that the band's musicianship is far more evident than on their last CD. Listen carefully to the rollicking "Django" and tell me that Matt Freeman and Brett Reed aren't the greatest drummer/bassist combo in rock today.

Lyrically, the band has maintained their social consciousness (on songs like "Back Up Against the Wall," "Stand Your Ground," and "Arrested in Shanghai," the latter of which reminds me a bit of The Clash's "Straight to Hell"), but haven't forgotten how to have fun either ("Django," "Spirit of '87," "Roadblock"). Only their attitude towards violence seems a bit confused; one minute they're celebrating Travis Bickle and gangster David Courtney, the next they're pleading for nonviolence on "Start Now." Go figure.

Overall, this is one of Rancid's strongest releases to date. Let the purists argue over whether this is "real punk." But don't forget that the greatest old school punk bands--The Ramones, The Clash, even The Pistols--understand the value of good hooks and solid songwriting. This album proves that smart, furious, quality punk rock is still alive and kicking.