Long-time members Bret Gurewitz (who returned to the fold for the album
The Process of Belief after a falling out), Greg Graffin and Jay Bentley return with a really good album. For this album they are again joined by Greg Hetson of a personal favourite of mine, The Circle Jerks and Brian Baker of hardcore pioneers Minor Threat. The line up is completed by new drummer and session musician, Brooks Wackerman. Who wins this reviewers award for man with funniest name in the band.
Onto the music itself. I had already mentioned that before at Bad Religion have never been a band that have appealed to me but after listening to this album it has all changed. From the opening track
52 seconds to the ultra catchy last track Fields of Mars, this is a really strong effort from a band that have been going for the last quarter of a century but are still totally relevant to today’s scene.
They have kept that trademark Bad Religion sound that is even recognisable to a non-fan like me and Gregg Graffin's vocals are as strong as ever. Which just goes to show that even though most members are in their 40's they still know how to rock hard and work well together. A fast paced album that flows from song to song is one that works well for this band and I honestly hope i can beat the other reviewers on this website to get my grubby little paws on the follow up if they release one and can review that one for all of you as well.
Most of you that know me will probably thinking that this isn't the McClernon that you know and love (or hate depending on who you are) because all i have had is praise for this album without one catty or snide remark thrown in for good measure just because I can. I have thought long and hard and can honestly say that even though this is the first album I have listened to in a long time it is an awesome one, and I can't think of another that could challenge it so far.
At first I thought that it was too short but at 16 songs and about 40 minutes long it is the perfect length, and an album i would recommend to anyone into punk.
www.myspace.com/badreligion
