Dissent Of Man, The

Bad Religion is still going strong after 30 years, continuing the trajectory they started at the beginning of the decade with their “comeback.” Their signature sound of pop-accessible punk rock brimming with dissent (pun intended) and opposition to the status quo is sure to appeal to the nerdiest of young outcast adolescents (i.e. the reviewer 5 years ago). Harmonies, guitar shredding, and erudite eloquence all blended together to create a solid offering from this indispensable band. Unlike previous albums of the decade, the varying quality of songwriting and lack of unity leaves one with an underwhelming feeling after listening to the entire album. That said, there are still highlights.

1. Fast and brash with pop-rock harmonies; frankly too short to make an impact.
2. Typical BR fare here, punk riff with guitar shredding and pop hooks.
3. Anthemic, blistering, dark; punk and pop without being pop-punk. RECOMMENDED
4. Slower, almost a ballad, but anthemic punk nonetheless.
5. Slightly cheesy pop-rock noodling on guitars, but a catchy midpaced punk narrative.
6. Catchy major-key riffage at the speed of punk. An audible Descendents influence here.
7. A punk rock anthem for the new millennium! Lots of harmonizing woahs to the sound of exploding guitars—punkers new and old can knock back a few cold ones to this. BEST TRACK
8. Fast with a weird harmonic-minor melody, two minutes of compact thoughtful aggression.
9. Anthemic vocal melodies laid over of a simple Ramones-esque riff.
10. Dark, thoughtful, but still upliftingly melodic and catchy punk rock with searing guitar solos. RECOMMENDED
11. Forgettable ballad, Bad Religion style—distorted and upbeat but boring.
12. Catchy and rock-ish, but BR style with melancholy harmonies and heavy guitars.
13. Mid-paced, plodding, political; punk your fists slowly to this.
14. Chugging and melodic, but not very memorable track.
15. A satisfying, somber closer, with layered acoustic guitars added for emotional context.

(Reviewed by Diego)