Type: Contains explicit content, Lyrics are included with the album
Genre: Rock
Review
Rancid's sixth album, Indestructible, starts off with a melodic blast of punk intentions, "Indestructible," and doesn't back down until the last chords of "Otherside," a heartbreaking ode to the late brother of Lars Fredericksen, fade away. In between are 17 songs that live up to the glorious reputation of one of the great punk bands of any era. Yeah, there ain't nothing new going on here: a little bit of ska, lots of politics, lots of pissed-off vocals (speaking of vocals, Tim Armstrong just keeps getting better and weirder with each album), lots of passion, and lots of melody. Songs like the anthemic "Fall Back Down," "Memphis," and "Born Frustrated" are the kind of songs that make you want to throw your arms around your nearest comrade and belt out the chorus at the top of your lungs. Songs like the red-hot ska-fueled "Red Hot Moon"; the funky ode to the homeless, "Stand Your Ground"; and the spaghetti western-inspired "Django" show off the band's range. "Start Now" is the track that stands out from the rest; it has one of the band's best choruses and is a perfect blend of their epic and melodic tendencies. The only downside of the album is the slow ballad "Arrested in Shanghai," which is an admirable attempt at expanding their sound which nevertheless is a failure. There are also a couple of punk-by-the-numbers tunes, like the fairly plodding "David Courtney" and the silly "Roadblock." (It seems like the Lars-sung songs are the weak links on the album.) Overlook these small problems and this is still prime Rancid. If you know Rancid and love Rancid, you will love this record like an old friend. If you are new to the band, get this and then get And Out Come the Wolves immediately. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide
Skinhead Rob (Vocals), Matt Freeman (Bass), Nick Pritchard (Design), Kevin Dran (Assistant), Joe Barresi (Mixing), Brett Reed (Group Member), Matt Freeman (Vocals), Douglas Boehn (Mixing), Tim Armstrong (Guitar), Luis Conte (Percussion), Citris Reynolos (Assistant Engineer), Siedah Garrett (Vocals), Tim Armstrong (Cover Photo), Brett Gurewitz (Producer), Brett Gurewitz (Mixing), Tim Armstrong (Group Member), Andrew Alekel (Engineer), John "Silas" Cranfield (Assistant Engineer), Rob Schnapf (Mixing), Tim Armstrong (Vocals), Pete Martinez (Assistant Engineer), Brett Gurewitz (Vocals), Nick Raskulinecz (Editing), Brett Gurewitz (Engineer), Seth McLain (Editing), Matt Freeman (Group Member), Edmond Monsef (Editing), Victor Ruggiero (Keyboards), Brett Reed (Drums), Dave Carlock (Editing), Tim Armstrong (Mixing), Nick Raskulinecz (Engineer)
Indestructible is the sixth studio album by the American punk bandRancid, released on August 19, 2003 (see 2003 in music). On vinyl, it is also a double album. Despite critical acclaim, the band was criticized by many fans for Indestructible's poppier sound. It debuted (and peaked) at #15 on the charts, with 51,000 copies sold in its first week, making it Rancid's second highest charting album behind their 2009 album, Let the Dominoes Fall. Indestructible marks the last recording by drummer Brett Reed, who left the group in late 2006 and was replaced by current drummer Branden Steineckert (formerly of The Used).
After a break in 2001, Rancid returned to the studio with co-producer Brett Gurewitz in 2002, to record their next album. Work on it was meant a year long for the band. Most notably, finishing up the album was extremely stressful for all of the members of Rancid.
Delay of release
The album was delayed several times before its official release. First scheduled for release was summer/fall 2002, then early 2003, mid-2003 and finally August 19, 2003. One of the reasons why Indestructible had yet to be released was their various other activities. Singer/guitarist Tim Armstrong released an album with his then-new side project Transplants and second guitarist Lars Frederiksen released an album with Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards. Warner Bros. Records released the CD version while LP was released by Epitaph.[1]
Track listing
All songs by Armstrong and Frederiksen except where noted.
