Nofx - Wolves In Wolves' Clothing

  by Alex Halls

published: 29 / 5 / 2006

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Review

Formed in Los Angeles, Nofx made their first appearance as a trio in 1983,consisting of: "Fat"Mike (vocals / bass); Smelly (drums); and Melvin (guitar). Adding El Hefe (guitar / trumpet) in 1991, the band continues with the same line-up to this very day, a certain testament to their success. With over six million record sales worldwide, the band return with their 11th full length studio album, an eighteen track success, released on Fat Mike's own label Fat Wreck. Ever since Nofx's breakthrough in 1989 the young punk world has savoured every scrap of music the band has thrown at them. But what is it about Nofx? 'Wolves in Wolves Clothing' sounds like any other of the band's albums and yet people still continue to buy: funny that! 'Wolves in Wolves' Clothing' can be thought of as a melange of the finest parts of all the band's past offerings. By far the best Nofx album of recent times, even if it does have its flaws, this release is immediately ignited by opener '60%' and, in truth; it never really takes its foot off the pedal, save for the trademark reggae interludes. 'The War on Errorism', released in 2003, marked Nofx's first real foray into political statement, catapulting the band into the media limelight. Whilst 'Wolves in Wolves Clothing' departs from this topic on the whole, it occasionally returns to make further political statement ('USA-holes'). Nofx have always had a sarcastic streak in them, which displays itself again in the amusing 'The Marxist Brothers', which jovially observes consumer society with a critical eye. We are treated further in to El Hefe's vocal contribution in 'Cantado en Espato', a song, which, as the name suggests, is sung purely in Spanish. And which emphasises that there is greater depth to Nofx than otherwise might be supposed. 'Wolves in Wolves Clothing' is absurdly sharp. Think of it as a symbolic reference point in the band's musical life as it proves they still have what it takes to deliver: with the blinding track 'Seeing Double at the Triple Rock', one would find it hard to argue against this. This track's introduction sounds very similar to 'Dinosaurs Will Die' on the band's 'Pump up the Valuum' record, therefore invoking strong memories of the new millennium's first summer, high on the secretion of one's own adrenalin. Yet, with the optimism, comes a surprising change in 'Doornails', one of the gloomiest Nofx songs ever, which describes the harm done to others by users' association with drugs. Apt in title and apt in spirit,'Doornails' is a refreshing reminder of how loss of control and will to live impacts not only the abuser, but also those within their entourage. The following that has built up over the years never seems to tire of Fat Mike's distinctive voice: if Nofx could keep playing for hundreds of years, you can guarantee they would. Having invented this style of music, they are keeping it alive and act as inspiration to others. Someone will always criticise a Nofx album, it's been happening for years now and is to be expected. 'Wolves in Wolves Clothing' will be treated no differently but it does offer enough entertainment to attract positive comment. This is run of the mill Nofx but that's what makes the records good. It's not an album that will last the test of time but it is right for today.

Track Listing:-

1 60%
2 Usa-Holes
3 Seeing Double at the Triple Rock
4 We March to the Beat of Indifferent Drum
5 The Marxist Brothers
6 The Man I Killed
7 Benny Got Blowed Up
8 Leaving Jesusland
9 Getting High on the Down Low
10 Cool and Unusual Punishment
11 Wolves in Wolves' Clothing
12 Cantado En Espanol
13 100 Times F*ckeder
14 Instant Crassic
15 You Will Lose Faith
16 One Celled Creature
17 Doornails
18 60% (Reprise)