When a band like The Offspring return with a new album after a long hiatus, there is always that gnawing thought – ‘I hope it doesn’t suck’. Luckily, when Let The Bad Times Roll, dropped last week, there was a collective sigh of relief from the fans
Not only does it ‘not suck’, it captures the essence of the three decades the band have put into their music. It probably won’t gain the iconic status of Smash, Americana or Conspiracy of One, but it will keep fans happy. The band have pretty much stuck to their recognisable formula; it’s typical Offspring. But, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right!
Let The Bad Times Roll has something for everyone, conjuring up memories of past classics with the band producing an album full of familiar yet completely new tracks. The only exception is an emotional re-imaging of their much-loved hit, Gone Away. The track has been given new life, with Dexter Holland performing the track in a stirring performance on piano. Fans who have seen the band in recent years may have experienced this live.
Four singles have been released, Let The Bad Times Roll, Coming For You, This Is Not Utopia and Behind Your Walls. With Coming For You already sitting at close to 40 million streams on Spotify, it seems the album was worth the wait.
From the opener, This Is Not Utopia, you can feel yourself being drawn back to glory days. You quickly remember why you became a fan in the first place. The song is classic Offspring and would sit well amongst tracks from earlier albums. The same can be said for hard and fast tracks The Opioid Diaries, addressing the serious issue of opioid abuse and Hassan Chop a circle pit monster of a track much like Da Hui from 2003 album Splinter. These tracks could comfortably slide in anywhere on Smash, Ixnay On The Hombre or Americana.
Their unique blend of punk and rock runs heavy on the rock in both the title track and Behind These Walls. The latter carries a beat that is so distinct you’d recognise it was The Offspring just by the drum track alone.
A few tracks take on their own unique persona. We Never Have Sex Anymore, is a strange swing jazz-like middle age confessional track that you probably don’t want the back story to. Coming For You is very danceable at a pace so steady you could almost step out the ‘Nutbush’ along to it. Something for everyone without doubt.
Fans will find a lot of familiarity in most of the tracks with the album likely sending you on a trip down musical memory lane. Let The Bad Times Roll is for fans of every era of The Offspring. Definitely worth a listen. There are enough catchy tracks to warrant it being on your favourites playist.
Punktuation’s Verdict: 3.5/5
Let The Bad Times Roll is out now on all streaming services.
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LISTEN TO LP HERE…
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Everyone should have a soundtrack playing loudly in the background of their life. I was born moshing to my own beat and have never swayed from my love of music. Spreading my passion through the written word is my soul’s purpose. My punk heart beats loudly with the rhythm of my rock soul. I plan to continue to mosh like no one gives a shit.
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