For those who were into punk in 1999, this probably wouldn't be classified as a 90's hidden gem, it was a pretty important release and certainly a well respected one. Those who aren't familiar with Good Riddance might enjoy learning about a punk / hardcore release that is loaded with aggression, raw power and all out anger. To either audience, read on...learn something new or be reminded of one of the most important and often unheralded albums in punk. There are those punk records that build to a frenzy over the course of either the opening track or over the first few songs. This record is one of those "hit you between the eyes" openers, leaving no doubt that what's coming is nothing short of a audio and verbal assault. "Shadows of Defeat" starts with an except from Martin Luther King's 1964 Nobel Prize speech and so begins the deluge. It is time to go, echoes the the last line of the first track. Vocals from Russ Rankin are gruff, emotional, hardcore. "Blueliner" is nothing short of a Minor Threat call to arms. It blasts the listener and subtly lifts elements from NYHC. Any song that starts with that amazing rant between father and son from "Some Kind of Wonderful", is going to be OK. "Heresy, Hypocrisy, And Revenge" is more than OK. That tirade leads into a crushing guitar led opening followed by a blast to the ears..."look at what you've left me, now that you've moved on". "Letters Home" is my personal stand-out track. Melodic, passionate and probably the most complete offering, it's got that same hardcore passion with some "cleaner" Russ vocals and great harmony. Add in a nice tempo change finished with 30 or so seconds of made for moshing aggression, and you really do have the complete Good Riddance experience in one tidy track. "Yesterday Died, Tomorrow Won't Be Born" is another short blast of hardcore excellence and I'll go back to where I started, talking about building to a frenzy vs. being frenetic from the get-go. This track, along with several remaining are great examples, the frenzy starts in the first 7 seconds, angry vocals follow, wrapped up with mid-paced hardcore and a mosh inspired summary to end the song.
You have to give credit where credit is due, angry hardcore from a California band? Sure, it's been done before, but this record is entirely well done! Great job fellas...for now you'll have to remain in memory, easy to do that with this classic hardcore release!
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