For a decade now, California’s Roadside Bombs have been a fine example of purposeful, modern day punk rock. The current lineup is quite possibly the strongest yet, with members who have also put time in The Muggers, The Quitters, Screeching Weasel, and Engage, and this sophomore albums turns up the melody with a punchy, anthemic quality that doesn’t slow down for nearly half an hour.
While the early part of the album has a more punk ‘n’ roll feel, bringing to mind a more muscular version of The Riverboat Gamblers, the later tunes run parallel with melodic hardcore in an Ignite sort of fashion, or even heavier pop-punk. Lyrically, the band take on plenty of socio-political topics in an articulate, intelligent way, complete with some insightful writing in the packaging about the status quo. This is a quality listen that every punk should proudly own.
