No Use For A Name

The Feel Good Record Of The Year

[3.5/5]

Most people don’t realize it, but No Use For A Name have been making music since 1987; vocalist/guitarist Tony Sly has kept the band going through a half-dozen lineup changes and a number of musical and cultural shifts, sticking to his melodic-punk guns. However, conviction doesn’t always equal compelling records: After a best-of compilation came out last year, it seemed like NUFAN were about to mosey down the ol’ dusty trail.

Thankfully, the band hooked up with producer Bill Stevenson (Rise Against, A Wilhelm Scream) and left the studio with their best record since 1999’sMore Betterness!. No Use For A Name sound alive again, with the one-two punch of the ripping opener “Biggest Lie” and the crunchy “I Want To Be Wrong.” They show more control and restraint (drummer Rory Koff barely uses the forbidden beat), especially on the bouncy, midtempo “The Trumpet Player” and “Domino.” Sly’s vocals, which have been uncharacteristically whiny on past releases, regained their aggressiveness, as well (“Under The Garden”).
The current musical landscape is pretty unforgiving to older, West Coast-style punk bands, and many have thrown in the towel recently. If The Feel Good Record Of The Year ends up being NUFAN’s final bow, it won’t be remembered as their best work, but it will at least send them off on a high note. (FAT WRECK CHORDS) Scott Heisel



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