Nofx - Review

  by Alex Halls

published: 13 / 1 / 2002

intro

NOFX were founded in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1983 and despite a slow start, they have managed to become one of the most important names in punk. Musically NOFX have often been accused of

NOFX were founded in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1983 and despite a slow start, they have managed to become one of the most important names in punk. Musically NOFX have often been accused of lacking talent, but with music that has always been more than just enjoyable choruses, they have in fact produced a number of cracking albums, all of which are lyrically humorous. Having started on the 'Mystic Records' label where they recorded their debut EP, NOFX finally moved to Epitaph, a label that had their interests more at heart. After ' Liberal Animation' (1988),' S&M Airlines' (1990),' Ribbed' (1991) and 'White Trash, Two Heebs And A Bean '(1992),their fifth album 'Punk in Drublic' was released in 1994. The pumping guitars liven almost every inch of this record whilst the somewhat whiny voice of lead singer 'Fat' Mike retains all punk vocal authenticity, the upbeat style helping the music hang in the head for days after. This style lasts until the last two songs which help you to settle down into life's normal routines once again. For all the punk that exists, NOFX have created with this album one of the pinnacle records of the scene . Afficionados will not have missed it. A year later 'We Heard They Suck Live' was released . It combines all the atmosphere of a true punk rock show with the usual NOFX antics and their much flaunted immaturity. NOFX are perhaps best appreciated live, and this album does them justice, leaving any listener, who has never been to a NOFX gig, wishing they had caught the band live and that they had experienced one of the greatest shows in the world. After 'Heavy Petting Zoo' (1996) NOFX released the vibrant 'So Long And Thanks For All The Shoes' in 1997.'So Long' kicks off in a burst of impressive energy, but then the style changes quite abruptly. The NOFX attitude to life is captured in a short track aptly named 'Murder The Government' , and while This view cannot be widely shared it makes for a truly rocking track that aids rebellious teenagers in their search for individuality. The album also incorporates a wider range of musical styles, from Ska influenced trumpet tracks to 'Champs Elysées', a catchy version of a French song. The album is brought to a conclusion with a penultimate song providing the best lyrical attitude to fame "My parents said I had no common sense but now look at who's got all the dough" . An amusing bonus track has them being genuinely disrespectful to themselves, but it is a view that is likely to be commonly shared amongst the mainstream following. The most recent addition to the NOFX anthology is 'Pump Up the Valuum' (2000), which is another masterful record.

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