OFF! prove punk’s not dead, just long in the tooth

December 21st, 2010

Punk rock is an old man’s game. Don’t believe me? OFF! is all the proof you need. While it’s semantics to argue whether punk is a type of music, fashion or attitude, this L.A. based hardcore “supergroup” exude whatever criteria is required to embody the spirit of punk. They don’t make bands like this anymore.

Originally imagined as the next record from legendary Cali punks Circle Jerks, OFF! became a reality when dreadlocked frontman Keith Morris opted to launch a new project with producer Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides). To round out the line-up, they scored a couple of veterans in Steve McDonald (Redd Kross) and Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes, Rocket From The Crypt). The pedigree alone sets up some sky-high expectations, but OFF! meet them effortlessly by keeping things fast and furious.

Signing to Vice Records, the four-piece released a series of four EPs that have just been compiled as the First Four EPs (available in a four 7″ box set or limited edition cassette via Burger Records). Needing only 18 minutes to kick out the jams, the 16 cuts encapsulate all of punk’s original themes – alienation, distaste for authority, political unrest and just losing your shit – which Morris delivers with biting, razor-sharp wit and fully loaded disgust.

But perhaps the coolest thing about this comp is the artwork (see below), which comes in stark black and white drawings by artist Raymond Pettibon, best known for his work with Morris’ other old band, Black Flag.

Suggested further listening:

Black Flag Nervous Breakdown (SST, 1978)
Red Cross Red Cross (Posh Boy, 1980)
Redd Kross Born Innocent (Smoke Seven, 1982)
Circle Jerks Golden Shower of Hits (Allegiance, 1983)
Rocket From The Crypt Circa: Now! (Headhunter, 1992)
Burning Brides Fall Of The Plastic Empire (File 13, 2001)
Hot Snakes Suicide Invoice (Swami, 2002)