BAD RELIGION play the Kool Haus March 31. See listings. Rating: NNN
A new Bad Religion album is like a bowl of tomato soup. It’s not the most complex or flashy offering, but you more or less know what you’re getting, and it can be comforting when you need it most.
The pioneering Los Angeles punk group’s 16th studio album was recorded in eight days, with lyrics inspired by frontman Greg Graffin’s relationship with his son. It recalls 1988’s Suffer, with plenty of anthemic choruses, chunky guitar riffs and songs under two minutes.
The 16 tracks sound similar after repeat listens, but if you think time has mellowed the band, guess again. (There’s a song called Fuck You, after all.) They’ve managed to age more gracefully than most of their peers – I’m looking at you, NOFX – without sacrificing a drop of fury.
Top track: Robin Hood In Reverse