By: Jesse Striewski
Bad Religion were undoubtedly one of my favorite punk acts growing up, and many a summer was spent going to see them play at Warped Tour in my younger years. But with the current political climate, complete with hypocritical extremist groups on each side (including so-called, anti-fascist-yet-still-violent, far leftists), I was somewhat reluctant to even check out the band’s latest release (just to clarify, I’m a neutral person able to see flaws on both sides, I’m just not into bands who promote violence in any way), but after just one listen, I was instantly glad I gave it a chance.
Everything that’s ever made this band so great to begin with is still easily found here, seventeen albums in to their career. The thought-provoking (yet still not overly preachy), heartfelt lyrics, hook-laden guitars, and of course, the classic “Oohh’s” and “Aahh’s” the band is so well known for, are all present. Tracks like “What Tomorrow Brings,” “The Approach,” and the brilliant “Candidate,” are all perfect examples of what these guys still have to offer to humanity as a whole. Give it a listen with an open mind (something much of society has sadly forgotten how to do).
Rating: 3/5 Stars
