By: Rinjo Njori

Five or so years after Indestructible, Rancid return with nineteen reliable punk anthems. During that period the Transplants and Lars & The Bastards released lackluster, borderline criminal sophomore albums, Tim Armstrong released a "free" solo album and Matt Freeman filled the vacant bassist spot in Social Distortion. Filling in any blank spots on their calendar with a Rancid tour or "spreading" the persistent Operation Ivy reunion rumors kept Rancid in the picture. At this point no one doubt's Tim, Lars, and Matt's songwriting abilities and their ability to keep the punk flame burning. This album does raise the question what keeps the band going when their six previous albums could fuel the band for the next decade?

If you are looking for guys that kept punk "Punk!" back in the 90s, then look no further than "Bravest Kids" and "East Bay Night." These two songs are vintage Rancid. Although they would not be out of place on . . . And Out Come the Wolves, they are a bit too polished for Let's Go. "Last One to Die" balances ska with some rap elements and makes you wonder how Armstrong went so wrong with the Transplants' Haunted Cities. Rancid hasn't taken any big risks since Life Won't Wait. The biggest risk on the album is "Civilian Ways," the country tinged song would fit perfectly on Armstrong's solo album but mixed in with 18 other songs that move effortlessly between the punk and ska genre, its clearly out of place. "Dominoes Fall" might be the most underrated title track on Rancid's five named albums. The zippy bass line matched with the organ keeps the song pumping. In contrast, "L.A. River" almost comes off as fun, but ends up feeling silly as Frederiksen belts out his "shimmy, shimmy, shimmy." This only highlights Frederiksen's weaker songs and overall lackluster contribution. This song is a long way off from "Listed M.I.A."

Rancid delivers vital songs when the punk and ska burn at both ends. Let the Dominoes Fall doesn't come close to Life Won't Wait, but doesn't stink up your music player like Rancid (2000). Until they stumble, it is pretty obvious that Rancid will keep doing what they are doing, even if the fans stop coming.

Labels: Rancid