Word: rancidity
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...best punk albums, the ones that stay with you, the ones that matter, share a secret. Take Rancid's strong new album, Life Won't Wait. Rancid is a band that, in its songs, inhabits a tough, gritty world of drinking, joblessness, back-alley drug deals and disillusioned immigrants; a world where corporations crush workers, governments lie to their citizens, and punk rock offers one of the few paths toward salvation. The songs on the California-based band's new album have names like Bloodclot, Black Lung and Cash, Culture & Violence; the guitar work is raw and roaring...
...Rancid, like the Clash before it, often looks toward the Caribbean for rhythmic inspiration; on this album the group wisely enlisted the help of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, who contributes guest vocals on the anthemic title track, Life Won't Wait. In the past Rancid's songs have dealt with issues of class and race in America; this album seems to have more of a global viewpoint, with lyrics that touch on Bosnia, Iran-contra and other foreign affairs. The real message, however, is in the insurgent energy of the music, the hammering drums, the fierce guitars: Resist, question...
Pure reggae tunes are absolutely new to Rancid,although reggae influences were prominent onWolves and weave their way a bit morethrough the harmonies and crossover song thatpepper Life Won't Wait. Most prominent inconveying the genre are the title song, "WrongfulSuspicion" and "Coppers." Jamaican reggae starBuju Banton guests on these tracks, strengtheningthe new Rancid voice with an authentic tongue. OnLife Won't Wait, a good chunk of the vocalsare provided by Banton, although Armstronguniquely offers his gravelly, unadorned slur tothe mix. One of the best punk-reggae confluenceson the album, "Hooligans," will get you hoppingalong to the beat...
...prevalence of guests on the album can beoverwhelming at times. Add up Banton, TheSpecials, Dicky Barrett from the Mighty MightyBosstones, Hepcat and a few others, and you mustwonder whether Rancid has a lot of friends theywant to show off or if they needed a significantamount of help in making the reggae transitionappear more plausible. Only time will tell,especially whether the next album features more ofan individual reggae sound or a flat regurgitationof the authentic vibe...
...fans will be more than content withLife Won't Wait, although it might requirea listening transition if you've become accustomedto the traditional Rancid sound or are unfamiliarwith reggae. As long as you appreciate thechallenge to the group's style that this albumpresents, it won't take long to sink your teethin