NOFX
Wolves in Wolves' Clothings
Fat Wreck Chords 2006
www.nofx.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Umpteenth release by the Los Angeles punk rockers.

Genre
Punk rock / hard rock

The Good
Musically, NOFX sticks to the same punk routine; three chords (sometimes four) played really fast, really slow, or somewhere in between. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, that particular style is quite addictive and enjoyable. What I enjoy most about the group is their sense of humor and their take on political and social issues. Their songs are witty and to-the-point, with the right amount of punch. “60%” is the group’s big ‘fuck you’ anthem to all of the poser bands out there. “USA-holes” is about the heartless and emotionless society we are turning into. “Seeing Double at the Triple Rock” unveils the lifestyle of the barflies at your local Irish pub.

“The Marxist Brothers” comically explores the life of, you guessed it, Marxists. The death penalty revolves around “The Man I Killed,” although there’s a subplot of a hidden agenda there too. “Benny Got Blowed Up” is an interesting take on the Iraq war. Benny was nearly killing himself with a life of drug use, but it was ultimately a bomb that did him in. “Leaving Jesusland” gets into how the Religious right is trying to eliminate those who aren’t ‘normal.’ Life in the far East is exploited on “Cool and Unusual Punishment.” “Doornails” pays homage to best friends that had your back.

The Bad
The hidden track really wears on you.

The Verdict
NOFX continues doing what they’ve been doing for the past 23 years; playing revved up, who gives a fuck, punk rock music. Their fans would expect nothing less.

Did You Know?
Fat Wreck Chords was founded by NOFX bassist/vocalist Fat Mike.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne