Review: JD Garrahy
“Return to form” is such a cliche term, especially if the band never lost it all together. The Offspring is that band. With solid releases over the last 40 years, their latest release “Supercharged”, is no exception. THIS is the Cali punk outfit at its finest. Giving off vibes from all their releases in one way or another, The Offspring seems like a more refined, well-oiled machine, proving once more that their illustrious career is far from over.
Looking Out For #1 (that’s “number 1” for all you millennials, not “hashtag 1”, like you probably think) launches straight into a no holds barred punk barrage, and following it with “Light It Up”, is pure double track brilliance that sets the tone for the rest of the album. “The Fall Guy” follows the same trend until we’re treated to a pop-punk anthem in “Make It All Right”. Don’t judge until you’ve heard it, it’s truly a stellar track.
The pop-punk doesn’t stop there, “OK But This Is the Last Time” continues on and shows that Noodles truly is a master of the fretboard and such a versatile musician. Dexter’s voice is magnificent on this track, hitting high notes and one hell of a catchy chorus. I want this track in my ear holes at EVERY Offspring gig from now on. It’s my standout track on the album that hits every bit of feeling from their huge back catalogue.
“Truth In Fiction”, well, fuck. Here it is plain and simple kids, if you want the track that gives you Smash vibes, this is it. Fast paced, distorted guitars and signature Dexter vocals. If we were to throw that cliche term into this review, its right here. Fucking phenomenal.
Now, there’s always a tongue in cheek track on any Offspring album and this has to be it. “Come To Brazil” is quite obviously a play on every person that comments on a social media post of theirs. I love how someone finally made a song about it and it couldn’t be more fitting than the Cali outfit took the honors.
“Get Some” and “Hanging By A Thread” slingshot the band back into the punk realm and it isn’t fully realized yet that the end of the album is upon us. Now with the journey we’ve taken on this release, with this much momentum behind these two tracks, I for one was not ready for it to be over (also, given it’s been 3 years since “Let The Bad Times Roll” and I don’t want it to be over. Yes, I’m selfish and want more). The lack of wind down at the end of the album makes it feel like there’s so much more to give.
“You Can’t Get There From Here” concludes this amazing trip for the eardrums. Bringing the tempo down and incorporating a fade in intro, it’s quite clear that this is the closer. With 10 tracks on “Supercharged”, it feels so much bigger than that. THIS is one album ill be putting on constant rotation (and yeah, im buying the damn vinyl, cause i’m old school and like the sound)
Well Offspring, it’s been magical and emotionally filled to say the least. If you have any level of appreciation for this band, then you’ll give this the time it deserves and then some. Let’s have more like these thanks boys.
SUPERCHARGED is out October 11 via Concord Records
PRE-ORDER HERE
PRE-ORDER HERE
