VIKING, the second solo release from Rancid singer/guitar-slinger Lars Frederiksen, backed by his band the Bastards, is stuffed to the gills with in-your-face punk attitude. Jackhammer drums, half-chanted/half-shouted vocals, and power chords ripped off like automatic gunfire all do their best to keep the punk flame burning. The lyrical subject matter never waxes too philosophical, as Frederiksen's themes are primarily limited to weapons ("Switchblade"), fighting ("Fight"), murder ("Mainlining Murder"), and, now and then, the fairer sex ("Little Rude Girl").
Every once in a while, the Bastards kick it up old-school style, as on the Ramones-esque "For You," and the 1950s-themed rockabilly number "Marie Marie." Frederiksen's Rancid cohort Tim Armstrong (who also produced the album), takes a turn on vocals on "My Life to Live," a tribute to easy women that bears more than a passing resemblance to a Pogues number. But Frederiksen's homages are offered in the loving name of gung-ho rock & roll, and VIKING delivers that spirit in kind.
Lars Frederiksen & the Bastards (Punk): Gordy (vocals); Craig Leg (guitar, background vocals); Big Jay Bastard (bass instrument, background vocals); Skatty Punk Rock (drums); Lars Frederiksen .
Audio Mixers: Tim Baker ; Brett Gurewitz.
Recording information: Bloodclot, L.A; Studio 880, Oakland.
Photographer: Tim Armstrong.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Lars Frederiksen ; Craig Leg; Gordy "The Known Bastard".
Personnel: Lars Frederiksen (vocals, guitar, sound effects); Tim Armstrong (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Big Jay Bastard (vocals, sound effects); Craig Leg, Gordy "The Known Bastard", Rob "SR" Aston (vocals); Matt Freeman (mandolin); Alen C. Agadhzhanyan (violin, strings); Carl Wheeler (piano, Wurlitzer organ); Skatty Punk Rock (drums, sound effects); Chris Dugan, Lochlan McHale, Dan Hodge, Brett Reed (background vocals).
not as good as the self titled Not as good as the self titled 2001 release. Viking dosent have the punch I was expecting from Lars. Submitted by lanejane (Cedar Rapids, IA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
love that" bastard"!! Great C.D. from Lars- but I whish "skinhead rob" would find some other record to screw up. Good hardcore, a little psychobilly, & a great cover {Marie, Marie} by Dave Alvin. But the rapcrap rob {contributes?}{thank god it's only one song}- I could live without. Submitted by motorjames1 (tucson, az.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Never Gets Old You can take Lars for what he's worth, true punk rock. The Rancid money never trickled down to his roots and for that we should all be thankful. Every song on this album is classic and never gets old. Some hardcore, psychobilly, and a couple of great covers - Dave Alvins "Marie Marie", and the classic "For You" originally by the Anti-Nowhere League. I'll never tire of this album, I hold it true to my own roots in the 80's punk scene. Submitted by 66 Butch (Owensboro, Kentucky) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
better live! the excitment from the rancid years have not run out yet theres still hope left in music as long as theres bands like them Submitted by jake (mlps, mn) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
not as good as the self titled
love that" bastard"!!
Never Gets Old
better live!
Share this Product