Offspring, The - Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (Album)
» Soundwave Festival 2008 - Sydney Park, NSW - February 25, 2008
The Offspring are back!
It's been four and a half years between studio albums, and after a few delays Rise and Fall,Rage and Grace finally hits the shelves.
And the boys are back in form...
This album takes me back to the old Offspring days, well before the band decided they were too fly, back when they played good, hard, punk music. Back in the good old Ignition and Smash days, when they played gigs at places like Brisbane's Arena and Dexter had those weird braid things happening... Luckily the braids went, and after a slight journey down a strange musical path that I really wish they had never taken, they have returned to where they belong.
These guys are a great punk band, that plays good music with a strong beat that you can mosh to, but with strong lyrics to sing along with. Although their angst levels seem to have diminished slightly over the years, they are still angry.... And their music covers topics from the Iraq war to the usual relationship woes, these guys are still American social commentators.
From the hard hitting Hammerhead to the slower Kristy, Are you doing okay? the album drifts through a mix of styles that can make the album seem a little disjointed.
Although not as strong as some of their previous offerings, is still a good album and worth a listen too.
Some parts may have a bit more pop than punk feel, but its still a step back in the right direction.
