CD Review

Rancid, the Bay Area institution returns with Indestructible, packed full of 19 songs, all brief, yet tastefully hook-laded and aggressive. Continuing in the tradition of blending punk rock with a healthy dose of ska, reggae, and melody, Rancid keeps alive the spirit of The Clash’s anarchy, while even name dropping the late Joe Strummer in the kick off and title track. This, their first album since Rancid 2000, proves nothings changed as Tim, Lars, Matt, and Brett retaliate with perhaps their strongest back of songs that bridge whatever hardships the band has recently endured.

"Fall Back Down," reflects in the band’s past collaboration with Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighy Bosstones ,as the song reflects in the Boston band’s festive ska – yeah, sure it’s radio friendly, but it’s uplifting to say the least. But Rancid can get nasty, as in "David Courtney," where they bring pronouncing punk with R rate street talk. "Arrested in Shanghai" showcases the band’s niche to nail a solid rock/pop song structure before moving into the dark "Travis Bickle" shedding light on the underbelly of NYC. Lars and Tim bring their dual vocal assault in "Sprit of ‘87" perhaps one of their most intense fist pumping songs to date. Indestructiblestands proud though thick and thin, proving Rancid wasn’t a 90’s flash, but is still mightily relevant today; Joe Strummer would be just as proud.