Rancid - Let the Dominoes Fall
2 June 2009
Epitaph Records
Review by Nick Brandes

Far more often then is necessary, punk bands, like Rancid, think they have to shout about how corporate America is ruining our lives, and they might be, but there’s more substance out there.  And Rancid has found those subjects.  “Civilian Ways” is a masterful song, perhaps the best song that Rancid has ever released.  At 4:11, Rancid proves that they are so much more than the 1:45 fast three-chord aggression release that is previous albums.  Even better is the song “New Orleans,” which is a love song at its core.  As Armstrong and Frederiksen bellow “I'm gonna carry my heart to New Orleans/ I have no home to go/ So I wander awhile,” it becomes transparent what the problem is with this album.

The lead singers can’t sing.  It’s why Rancid has always been unable to take that next step up.  They very well may want to stay small and play to fans who truly love their music, but they can’t escape that hole they’re in due to the inability to carry any sort of tune.  And while some may find it endearing, after 7 albums, it’s starting to bother me.

Everything else is standard though, it’s your typical Rancid album, with a few stretches.  The guitars are crisp, the melody is succinct, and as always the writing is nicely done.  But, far too often I find myself wondering when the fervor they feel for the things they’re singing about is going to match the fervor to become better musicians. 

I think it’s just that as new stuff comes out and we compare it to the old stuff that we grew up with, the music can just never live up to the original.  If you love Rancid, I’m sure this album will give you enough to continue your love, but if you’re looking for something to give you a love of punk, pick up Let’s Go and figure out why everything else seems so blah.