Rating: NNN
The cover of Beauty & Ruin pairs a younger Bob Mould with the current grizzled and grey-bearded one, showcasing the physical evolution of the former Hüsker Dü frontman. Musically though, the artist’s retained his youth: on his latest release, his driving, hook-laden punk rock is as precise as always.
Inspired in no small part by his father’s death in 2012, there’s definite fury on the record, heard especially in the stomping, moody opener Low Season. The pain continues on Nemeses Are Laughing, though a plodding “do-do-do” chorus is one of the more depressing moments, threatening to derail the record’s spirited outlook.
But Mould manages to save it with an ultimately joyous stance: he sounds youthful and invigorated screaming “Tomorrow morning should be fine” on Tomorrow Morning – one of the many injections of optimism that rings true.
Top track: Little Glass Pill
Bob Mould plays Riot Fest at Downsview Park September 6 and 7.
