NOFX

“Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing” (Fat Wreck Chords)

Sounds like: Lagwagon, Guttermouth

REVIEW: 4 / 5

In short: The undisputed kings of modern punk rock return to the scene in fine form, taking no prisoners as they deliver on yet another trademark NOFX album.

There are two things you can count on every time NOFX releases a new album: 1. It will sound like NOFX. 2. It will be better than the last NOFX album. From the band that once wrote a one-song album – the 19-minute epic, “The Decline” – comes “Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing,” 18 shots of cynicism, political dissent and absolute fun.

Lyrically, NOFX is at the top of its game. Songs such as “USA-holes” and “We March to the Beat of an Indifferent Drum” continue the sardonic political observations of 2003’s “War on Errorism.” “Leaving Jesusland” points out the faults of organized religion, and “Cool and Unusual Punishment” is pure kitsch.

“The Marxist Brothers” even takes jabs at the left as singer Fat Mike mocks the 21st century socialist. “I get frequent flyer mileage and a booklet of upgrades/ So next time I visit the third world I won’t have to fly second class/ The People’s Revolution is gonna be a podcast.”

Like all NOFX albums, a variety of genres is explored, ranging from the skate punk of “Seeing Double at the Triple Rock” and hardcore of “One Celled Creature” to “The Marxist Brothers,” which Fat Mike describes as “a hip-hop beat with ska/new-wave guitar and a Beatles melody.”

Pure and simple, “Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing” is a NOFX album. Fast, clever and offensive, it’s the best yet of what the band does best.

– Tyler Barrett