Home > New York Music > CD Review > The Offspring, 'Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace'

Backstory: After nearly a five-year absence (save for a “Greatest Hits” release), Orange County’s ever-popular arena-punk band tries out a bigger, bolder sound, with help from producer Bob Rock (of Metallica fame).
 
Why you should care: Despite its share of filler and ridiculously dumb lyrics, the Offspring has always been good for two or three perfect singles per album, mixing equal parts frat-boy humor, O.C.–flavored punk and a pop sensibility that their peers often lack. “Rise and Fall,” while lacking a “Come Out and Play” or “Hit That,” actually comes off as the most diverse and consistently good record in the band’s career—possibly thanks to Rock’s influence. Opener “Half-Truism” could be a great Aerosmith song (though it would need to be slowed down by about 50 percent), while “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” features both a bratty “dance, f---er, dance” chorus and a New Order-ish vibe, thanks to a newfound love of keyboards. Even the emo-ish ballads (“Kristy, Are You Doing Okay”) and the Linkin Park-isms of “A Lot Like Me” offer up a nice respite from the band’s more aggressive side.
 
Verdict: Catchy, uptempo, amusing and, in the case of the speed-rapped “Stuff Is Messed Up,” actually kind of different. A worthy comeback.
 
X-Factor: The band is offering its latest single, “Hammerhead,” as a free download from their Web site. While slightly unusual, the gesture pales in comparison to the release of their 2000 record “Conspiracy of One,” which the group tried to give away online for free (though eventually blocked by their record company); during that time, the band also created a line of pro-Napster T-shirts.

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