Album: The Offspring - Supercharged

With Warped Tour anniversary rumours in the air, Green Day and blink-182 touring the world, and 20 huge new tracks from Sum 41, The Offspring’s latest contribution to the thriving Pop Punk scene couldn’t have been timed better. Supercharged is landing in the open arms of an already excited fanbase, and the legends of the genre do not disappoint.

Having helped to shape the distinctive Skate Punk sound of the 90s and early 2000s, it’s no surprise that The Offspring recreate that energy effortlessly with Supercharged, but it is impressive nonetheless.  

Opening track “Looking Out For #1” welcomes listeners in with Dexter Holland’s familiar vocals, energetic drumming, and a fun melody, and is followed by one of the strongest tracks on the album, single “Light It Up”. There is an inherently 90s feel to the track, a sense of simple fun throughout it that is reminiscent of their earlier hits. The fast, Punk energy continues into the next highlight, track three “The Fall Guy”, quickly confirming Supercharged a success.

Following its strong start, the album leans into different corners of the genre throughout the remaining tracks. The 80s Punk Rock influence is obvious in “Truth In Fiction”, and “Come To Brazil” borders on Thrash Metal. Amongst the solid nostalgic tracks, their toying with the sound of the album is a welcome endeavour, there’s a freedom to it that works well in the context of the current scene. The memorable riffs, fast drumming, catchy vocals and ongoing classic backing cries of “woah” and “yeah” feel like a fun celebration of a moment in time, and although there are definite highlights, as a whole, it’s a great album.

Supercharged is worthy of its inevitable place in the current Pop Punk resurgence. It’s fresh but nostalgic and has the kind of easy going energy that takes great skill to achieve.

• More reviews on theartsdesk