Rating: NNN
When you’ve put out albums for more than 30 years, you’re bound to start repeating yourself. For a while, Bad Religion verged on becoming a Bad Religion parody band. Luckily, The Dissent Of Man, their 15th effort, doesn’t continue that descent, especially early on.
The Resist Stance will get a G20 rock tosser’s blood flowing, while Only Rain’s energetic melodic punk should’ve been the record’s blueprint. Throughout the 15 tracks, the SoCal veterans even venture into new territory by working in some country and alt rock.
At its worst, we get the forgettable mid-tempo jock rock of Won’t Somebody. Mostly, though, there are enough decent hooks and spirit-soaring overdrive to satisfy new and old fans.
Top track: Only Rain
Bad Religion preach dissent at Kool Haus October 14.
