Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace

iTunes Review

The Offspring represent an interesting paradox for “punk rock.” The band uses the necessary four letter words to get their point across. They play loud and aggressively, short on guitar solos and mostly quick with the tempos. Their singer complains about everything and they certainly have the look of angry, indifferent youth. Yet, the band has been soldiering on for years and they’ve learned more than a few professional tricks along the way — all of which they use to their advantage on this 2008 release, produced by hard rock veteran producer Bob Rock. “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” has a perfect chorus and singer Dexter Holland can harmonize and smooth over the rough edges like the seasoned musical veteran he truly is. In their hands, “punk rock” means more than purebred aggression. Purists may bristle at the uber-catchiness of “Hammerhead,” the piano-based power-ballad tendencies of “A Lot Like Me” and “Fix You,” and the conscious anthemic overdrive of “Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?” but ever since their inception the Offspring have been a pop band in punk rock clothing.