Rancid Indestructible CD

Ten years after Rancid's debut album, INDESTRUCTIBLE shows how far the CA punks have come from their beginnings. Initially, even their fans admitted their strong resemblance to the early Clash sound, but starting with 1998's LIFE WON'T WAIT they began expanding their punk-plus-ska sound. Listening to INDESTRUCTIBLE, it's hard to imagine that Rancid ever sounded like anyone but themselves. Certainly the influence of late-1970s British punk and ska bands can still be felt, but the sophisticated lyrics and carefully conceived (though still driving) arrangements are strictly sui generis. It's also heartening to note that they haven't lost any of their edge; tracks like the snarling "David Courteney" and the Motorhead-meets-Bad Brains fury of "Out of Control" nearly leap off the disc and throttle the unsuspecting listener. Now that's punk rock.

Rancid's sixth album, Indestructible, starts off with a melodic blast of punk intentions, "Indestructible," and doesn't back down until the last chords of "Otherside," a heartbreaking ode to the late brother of Lars Frederiksen, fade away. In between are 17 songs that live up to the glorious reputation of one of the great punk bands of any era. Yeah, there ain't nothing new going on here: a little bit of ska, lots of politics, lots of pissed-off vocals (speaking of vocals, Tim Armstrong just keeps getting better and weirder with each album), lots of passion, and lots of melody. Songs like the anthemic "Fall Back Down," "Memphis," and "Born Frustrated" are the kind of songs that make you want to throw your arms around your nearest comrade and belt out the chorus at the top of your lungs. Songs like the red-hot ska-fueled "Red Hot Moon," the funky ode to the homeless "Stand Your Ground," and the spaghetti Western-inspired "Django" show off the band's range. "Start Now" is the track that stands out from the rest; it has one of the band's best choruses and is a perfect blend of Rancid's epic and melodic tendencies. The only downside of the album is the slow ballad "Arrested in Shanghai," which is an admirable attempt at expanding their sound but nevertheless is a failure. There are also a couple of punk-by-the-numbers tunes like the fairly plodding "David Courtney" and the predictable and silly "Roadblock." (It seems like the songs sung by Frederiksen are the weak links on the album.) Overlook these small problems; this is still prime Rancid. If you know Rancid and love Rancid, you will love this record like an old friend. If you are new to the band, get this and then get And Out Come the Wolves immediately. Like, right now. Go. [Indestructible was also released in a limited-edition package that included a T-shirt and a patch.] ~ Tim Sendra

Rancid: Matt Freeman (bass guitar); Lars Frederiksen , Tim Armstrong, Brett Reed.

Personnel: Lars Frederiksen , Tim Armstrong (vocals, guitar); Matt Freeman , Skinhead Rob, Brett Gurewitz (vocals); Victor Ruggiero (keyboards); Brett Reed (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Recording information: Grand Master Records; Sondra Recorders; SOund City Studio.

Editors: Edmond Monsef; Dave; Nick Raskulinecz; Seth McLain.

Rancid: Tim Armstrong, Lars Frederiksen (vocals, guitar); Matt Freeman (vocals, bass); Brett Reed (drums).

Additional personnel: Skinhead Rob, Brett Gurewitz, Siedan Garrett (vocals); Vic Rodriguez (keyboards); Luis Conte (percussion).

Rolling Stone (9/4/03, p.136) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...INDESTRUCTIBLE sweetens their spit-and-vinegar cocktails with a spritz of melody..."
Spin (10/03, p.108) - "...What keeps Rancid sounding alive is their politics..." - Grade: B
Entertainment Weekly (8/22-29/03, p.131) - "...Rancid have put their best jackboot forward, producing a diverse 19-track opus that wields brains to brawn..." - Rating: B+
Q (10/03, p.113) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...INDESTRUCTIBLE sees a return to tunes and uplifting terrace chants delivered, as ever, by strangely affected vocals..."
CMJ (7/28/03, p.6) - "...Overall, it's the sound of a band with a broader musical palate...and a renewed focus..."