Randy

“Randy the Band” (Fat Wreck Chords)

Compare to: The Ramones

REVIEW: 3.5/ 5

In short: Swedish punk rockers Randy finally find their niche with their fourth U.S. release, “Randy the Band” by coalescing the scattered sounds of their previous albums into an eclectic-yet-classically-punk record that’s as catchy as it is clever.Unlike most pop-punk bands in the scene today that rely on excessively emotional and strained vocals, cliche T-shirt-slogan song titles and Clear Channel radio play, veteran Swedish punk band Randy seems to understand what really matters in crafting a memorable record.

The band combines witty humor and childlike innocence with biting social criticisms and enough hooks to raise the Titanic.

“Randy the Band” is a musical bungee cord, stretching wide to bring together arena rock guitar solos, bouncy pogo-punk rhythms, classic rock melodies and 32-bar pop into fifteen blasts of high-energy punk rock. From the first track to the last, it’s clear that Randy’s prime objective is to make a fun, enjoyable record.

Anthemic album standout “I Raise My Fist” seems to embody the spirit of Randy’s political perspective and worldview: “I’m still vegetarian, anti-American, I’m still socialist and I still raise my fist/ I’m still anarchist, I’m still atheist and I’m still pissed, ’cause some things they enlist.”

Another showcase track is “Better than Art,” in which vocalist Stefan Granberg not only proudly denounces punk music as art, but heralds the superiority of punk music.

Randy will never be the next big thing. Its unique brand of punk rock will never fit into any scene, yet Randy is clearly confident enough to stand rooted in what it does best: fun, thoughtful and energetic pop-punk.