NOFX
"Wolves
in Wolves' Clothing" (Fat Wreck Records; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
NOFX angrily hits the road running with "Wolves in Wolves' Clothing," an 18 track collection of tunes that run the gamut from Ramones-style punk, The Clash-style new wave and Judas Priest-style metal riffs(!). Add to that lethal combo some truly brilliant and scathing lyrics and you wind up with a record that's as intelligent and as lively as you're likely to find.
"Wolves in Wolves' Clothing" begins with the subtle bitterness of "60%" and then is quickly followed by the sad, resigned and hard rocking "USA-Holes" which is one of the most simple yet brilliantly lyricked anti-Bush songs yet recorded. The CD's zenith comes next: "Seeing Double at the Triple Rock," with its blistering lead riff and addictively fast rhythm. Although "Seeing Double" might be the CD's best track, there's plenty of great stuff to follow. The aforementioned Clash beat of "The Marxist Brothers," the anti-hate anthem "Leaving Jesusland," and the caustic "You Will Lose Faith" are all solid rockers, both musically and lyrically.
Perhaps it wouldn't surprise longtime fans of NOFX but "Wolves in Wolves' Clothing" surprised me. The record is tighter, more energetic and more intelligent than I would have expected from the band. After this CD, however, I know what I've been missing and I look forward to hearing more.
For more information, check out http://www.nofx.org.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 23 Oct 2008 01:41:23 -0500
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