NOFX - First Ditch Effort

NOFX
First Ditch Effort
2016
Spotify

The prolific NOFX took one of their longest breaks in history before recording this their thirteenth album. Four years since 2012's Self Entitled arrives First Ditch Effort one of their most grown up records to date. While NOFX have always been known for their frenetic speed and cutting humor this album finds them dealing with substance abuse issues, and what pushing 50 and still playing punk rock actually means. The album also focuses more on death than anything they have written before. "Sid and Nancy", "California Drought" and "Oxy Moronic" all seem to be influenced by frontman Fat Mike's recent struggles with addiction and an impending death if He didn't try and get clean. The performance aspect of AA meetings also don't get a pass during "California Drought" with Fat Mike seeing first hand the posturing that all people do, sober or not. "Oxy Moronic" strides on the established notion that prescription drugs are killing us, but the use of all the name brand drugs as devices is really something hilarious. There is also plenty of self deprecation on the aptly titled "I Don't Like Me Anymore", it certainly is not mincing words in regards to what it is about.

"I'm a Transvest-Lite" feels like the most classic punk rock NOFX song on the record with Fat Mike recalling tales of going to hardcore shows wearing panties underneath boxers. "Dead Beat Mom" also rings true yet has a very classic funny punk sound that is so satisfying when listening to NOFX. "It Ain't Lonley at the Bottom" actually brings in a synth/organ which is such a departure but actually really nice. There are not many revelations on this record that are going to thrust NOFX back in to the mainstream, but for those die hard to watch a band still be themselves after all these years is quite nice. In a genre where bands make up and breakup every other second the guys of NOFX manage to hang in there. The tribute to Tony Sly the singer of No Use For a Name "I'm so Sorry Tony" is the perfect bridge between adulthood and the never ending party that is adolescence. First Ditch Effort more than anything just shows us a great punk band who have no intention and no desire to stop, and that is a good thing.

7.0 out of 10