Let the Dominoes Fall [PA] (CD - 2009)

Considering that Rancid's seventh studio album was largely written on acoustic guitars at new drummer Brandon Steineckert's small town Utah-based recording facility, one might guess that the band had mellowed. Not so: LET THE DOMINOES FALL is a particularly spirited set of the kind of anthemic old-school punk rock the band does best. The first single, "Last One To Die," sounds like the Pogues and the Clash in a drunken brawl at a Who concert, while other tracks recall the group's ska-punk roots in Operation Ivy. Produced by Bad Religion/Epitaph Records founder Brett Gurewirtz the record features Rancid's trademark mix of uncompromising music and insightful lyrics delivered in lead singer Tim Armstrong's inimitable mush-mouthed vocal style. minimize