Offspring Are Still Alive and Thriving
The American Offspring are celebrating forty years of existence and as a gift to themselves and their fans, they have released a brand new album called Supercharged. The Holland/Noodles duo, completed by bassist Todd Morse, keyboardist Jonah Nimoy and young drummer Brandon Pertzborn, are still brimming with energy and good spirits on their eleventh studio album.
Although Pertzborn is now the full-time drummer, he only appears on four tracks on the album, most of them are played by Josh Freese. The ten-song collection probably won't topple the charts, but it proves Offspring remain a relevant band.
"Looking Out for #1" with a "cinematic" introduction has interesting vocals, a nice solo and something of the classic Offspring, but it won't bring you to your knees. The energy of the old records can be heard only in the following "Light It Up", in which Brandon Pertzborn has the most outstanding moments. He has already proved himself as a skilled drummer, for example in the service of Doyle, a member of the legendary Misfits, who he toured with (and performed with) as a teenager. He also drives the band in "The Fall Guy" and "Truth In Fiction". Thanks to him, Offspring have rejuvenated and in these two songs, they regain their 90s fierceness.
The summery, Ramonesque bubblegum chill "Make It All Right" is alright, but the tribute to Brazilian fans in "Come To Brazil" doesn't really work. Metal guitars and rhythm changes are okay, but they don't work very well here. And the "Olé Olé Olé" chant at the end is a bit corny. The next fast song "Get Some" is much better. Great guitars and the familiar "Yeah Yeah Yeah" chants, but with a rockier vibe, which surprisingly suits the Offspring. 'You Can't Get There From Here" (again with Pertzborn on drums) has four chords that we've heard a hundred times before, but the Offspring guys know how to deliver them in a way that keeps you entertained for the hundredth time.
What can you appreciate about the album as musicians?
The current Offspring lineup is strong and passionate about the cause. Supercharged probably won't surprise you with anything special, but if you want to hear fast, more poppy, melodic and rock Offspring, you'll find all those versions on the album. The half-hour record does entertain, and Bob Rock, who was in charge of production, gave it some serious balls. The Offspring are certainly not old hat yet.
Offspring – Supercharged
Concord Records, 00:32:00
rock/punk/pop
70 %
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