Album Review: NOFX – Single Album

March 8, 2021 | Reviewed By Nick Davarias

LA rockers, NOFX, are back once again to tell you what they think in the form of some kick-ass punk rock! ‘Single Album’ has ended the 5 years wait for a new studio album and is the band’s successor to ‘First Ditch Effort’. The big question is always “was it worth the wait?” Well, I’m here to tell you my thoughts on NOFX’s latest entry into their impressive discography.

The album opens with ‘The Big Drag’. The palm mutes and sporadic drumming complements Mike Burkett’s raspy vocals well. The song is a no-nonsense punk song from start to finish. It’s really clear that NOFX are not here to mess about right off the bat and I think that’s a great way to start the album which is only cemented more by ‘I Love You More Than I Hate Me’. I cannot get enough of the syncopated rhythm Eric Sandin produces on this track! The song explores the feeling of meeting someone who is your “Dream Self” and it’s a solid entry into the new record that I’m sure will have many fans leaving it on repeat.

Up next is the not so subtle ‘Fuck Euphemism’. NOFX are not afraid of offending anyone and this song proves it… or does it? The song is an amazing use of wordplay that could definitely offend if you’re not listening carefully. The song had me repeating it over and over and I enjoyed every moment of it. I cannot recommend this song enough and if you need a good laugh, this one’s for you. Following that ‘Fish In A Gun Barrel’ slows the tempo down for a more chill session however the lyrics take a much darker tone. A sombre tune about the loose restrictions in place in America regarding owning a firearm. NOFX have produced a powerful message in regards to this issue and have highlighted just how easy it is for an unstable person to acquire a gun and the tragic outcome this can lead to which has been seen numerous times through recent history.

The half-way point of the album is home to the song ‘Birmingham’. This song takes you on an adventure based on a not so good night of Fat Mikes life that took place after a NOFX gig at the Institute in Birmingham, England. A dark hour for the singer has been turned into a great punk rock song that explores how dangerous addiction can be. Here to liven the mood is ‘Linewleum’ which features metal giants Avenged Sevenfold. A song that mocks playing a song that wasn’t a hit and is a love letter to every band that covered NOFX’s song ‘Linoleium’ off Punk in Drublic. The addition of A7X’s melodic guitar style throughout the song is a great addition and the little solo’s top this song off as an awesome collaboration.

‘My Bro Cancervive Cancer’ is a very interesting song that will probably rub some people the wrong way if they are not aware of the backstory. Fat Mike has explained the song is about a man named ‘Brett’ who told every band that had come through the East Bay area that he had terminal brain cancer for over 10 years! So all of a sudden this song that first appeared very ill-willed now comes across as a very appropriate homage to a proper scumbag! Definitely give this one a spin! Now its time for a more humbling and meaningful homage. ‘Grieve Soto’ is a great remembrance piece for the late Steve Soto of Agent Orange and a founding member of Adolescents as well as the late Bobby Pin of Germs. The song also includes a message to Fat Mike to be more careful so he’s not the next to go. The last minute of the song consists of Fat Mike repeating the name Steve Soto over the harmonies of an Adolescents song titled ‘Amobea’. A real touching moment.

The penultimate song is ‘Doors And Fours’ which unfortunately falls a little shy of the incredibly high standard the rest of the record had set. It’s by no means a bad song but it is the weakest song on the record in my opinion. Its a boy among giants in comparison so it’s easily overshadowed by the rest of the tracks. A disappointing way to build up to the finale, however ‘Your Last Resort’ comes to the rescue and ends the album in a big way. The solemn feel from the piano played intro is quickly ambushed by a punk rock armada! This song rocks in all the right ways and is well worth a listen. What a way to bring the new album to a close.

To answer the age-old question of “Was it worth the wait?” I can safely say that in the case of NOFX’s ‘Single Album’ it was definitely worth it! An amazing comeback from the LA Punks which will undoubtedly have punk rockers around the globe rocking out for years to come. I cannot recommend this album enough to anyone who is a fan of punk in general. This album will definitely be on repeat for a while for me. Now if only I could find my walkman!

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