RancidTrouble Maker

Hellcat Records/Epitaph Records
June 9, 2017
8

At this point in time, Rancid are living the narrative that they’ve illustrated in countless songs that pay homage to downtrodden, but nevertheless steadfast, blue-collar heroes. Trouble Maker, their ninth record in a 26-year career finds the dudes doing what they’ve always done—with the conviction of an iron-clad resolve.

Trouble Maker is the sound of an old guy coming home from another long day at the bauxite mine, wiping sweat from a dirty brow as they put their metal lunchbox on top of the fridge before grabbing a cold one and sitting down in their favourite easy chair knowing they’ve worked hard, and earned that first delicious slug of beer.

Even without the fires of youth burning within them, Rancid have delivered an exciting and engaging record.

On Trouble Maker, it’s the same mix of anthemic punk and hardcore–with a smattering of ska and oi joints just for good measure—that Rancid have been successfully selling since … And Out Come the Wolves, but damnit if it doesn’t bring home the bacon.

It is, however, borderline ridiculous for a band that’s pushing 30 to be marketing themselves as anything remotely close to trouble makers—it doesn’t matter how many face tattoos are in the equation. Rancid are more or less placid, compliant cats at this point, and there’s nothing on Trouble Maker that really challenges that.

Even without the fires of youth burning within them, Rancid have delivered an exciting and engaging record. And head to head with a younger band brimming with piss and vinegar, they’d still come out on top. So up the fuckin punx.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Ghost of a Chance, Where I’m Going, Farewell Lola Blue
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Dropkick Murphys, NOFX, Circle Jerks

Trouble Maker is out June 9 through Hellcat Records/Epitaph Records



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