Viking

by

Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards

Edit

I have read quite a few reviews and felt the need to say my piece after reading a review from someone who had just flicked through the booklet and review the CD from that without actually listening to it(???).

I've been into Rancid since the first album and to be honest, I haven't liked an album since "And out come the wolves" I've seen em live and they do kick severe arse. When I first heard about Lars doing a side project I was excited. I had reason to be the first album is amazing. Back to the roots old school Punk. No prisoners or apologies. Seminal, brutal and in your face. When I saw Viking I was, understandably, like a kid on Christmas eve. Upon listening what happened??? I love it. The entire CD kicks you in the face. I love the entire CD like an old friend. Stand out songs are Switchblade, Mainlining Murder, For you and Viking. I've been into punk since it began. I don't like a lot of the new "punk" pop that is taking over at the moment. If you like old school hard punk then listen to this and the first Lars Frederikson and the Bastards CD. You won't be disappointed. Oh and if you get the chance go see em live. Lars is a showman and they kick arse like only punks can!!

Lars' side project appeals to me because it songs pretty much exactly like Rancid, and their first CD was pretty awesome, a solid punk album for all fans of Rancid. They were a safe haven from the transplants stuff and Skinhead Rob's rap. This record is not bad, in fact the music is actually really good and some of the tracks are legendary (1% and Skins, Punx, and DrunX).

There is one problem, and it's BIG!

The lyrics drive this album right into the ground. After the fifth or sixth song about prostitutes and how we're gonna screw them and then kill them, you're about ready to put this CD away for a long while. I agree with the guy who said that the album booklet was completely unneccessary, and even Tim Armstrong couldn't pull "My Life to Live" out of the fire.

This is just mediocre, bottom line. I know punk lyrics are nothing deep, but c'mon guys, spend more than half of five minutes and write something at least decent.