The Undercover Review by Tim Cashmere

Throughout the second half of the 90's I was a big fan of the Offspring. They had the advantage of a decade's experience in a band before they hit the worldwide market. Now we're all a little older and The Offspring don't have that same appeal. But hit-makers they are and this album isn't a step down.

While it begins a little differently with 'Neocon', it only takes until track two for their old "punk" sound to return in 'The Noose'.

Don't get me wrong, this album is plagued with The Offspring at the height of their experimental career especially in the first single 'Hit That'. With a synthesiser bass line that sounds like a slowed down Pet Shop Boys tune it's difficult to wrap your head around.

"I've got the worst hangover ever/I'm crawling to the bathroom again/it hurts too badly I'm never gonna drink again!" sings Dexter Holland in the otherwise happy ska tune 'The Worst Hangover Ever'.

While the album does have its occasional diversions, a majority of this album is the sound that made them what they are today, so if you've heard the single and suddenly like The Offspring, maybe this album isn't for you. However, long time fans go for it. There's always the skip button if the acoustic guitar's ('Spare Me The Details') are getting a bit much.

Hell, I'd buy it just for 'When You're In Prison'. (At least I know not to turn the other way or sleep, should I ever find myself there, thanks to this crackly recording.)

Track Listing
Neocon
The Noose
Long Way Home
Hit That
Race Against Myself
(Can't Get My) Head Around You
The Worst Hangover Ever
Never Gonna Find Me
Lightning Rod
Spare Me The Details
Da Hui
When You're In Prison

Label : Sony