Audio By Carbonatix
Four presidential administrations later, socio-political firebrand Bad Religion is still making enemies and influencing imitators with its trademark melodic pop punk. Although guitarist/Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz was suspiciously absent during the Clinton/Atlantic Records era, he re-upped in time for Dubya. One of the most recognizable and replicated voices in the biz, Greg Graffin is forceful and forthright without a lot of frills. Unlike cheap facsimiles who try to cram O.C. harmonies into ill-fitting punk receptacles, Bad Religion employs time-tested vocals on New Maps of Hell that burst out from the high-speed gallop and blend in like wind through luxurious locks. Desperate mechanized filters add a trans-genre fog to “52 Seconds,” a lure to those seeking change, while “Requiem for Dissent” and “Submission Complete” are Celtic-based anthems worthy of New Model Army. New Maps is an apocalyptic followup to the act’s first release, How Could Hell Be Any Worse? — with our current leader answering the question.
Will you step up to support Westword this year?
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
