It's Rancid, but it doesn't stink

Rancid's latest, Indestructible, is a politically-fueled, Clash-inspired album. It's a good effort, but can't reach the creative success of 1994's Let's Go or 1995's … And Out Come the Wolves. The band is in the right state of mind, but has lost the energy that made the aforementioned albums so great.\nThat's not saying Indestructible is a bad album. The tunes are well-crafted and the band found its love of hooks again. This album even shows the softer side of Rancid with songs like "Tropical London" ("When you were sick I held your hand/ When you were in trouble I tried to understand"). The band hasn't given up completely on its harder edge, but this is a more mature version of Rancid. \nMost noticeably lacking from this album is Matt Freeman's stand-alone bass lines. In a world of simplistic three-chord punk songs, it was refreshing and exciting to hear someone with actual musical ability in the genre.\nWhile this album can't compare to Wolves or Let's Go -- honestly, what punk album can? -- it's still a worthwhile listen. And while some of the energy may have been lost, there is still enough reason to get a mohawk and hang on the corner of 52nd and Broadway.