Good Riddance

Operation Phoenix (Fat)
by Tim Den

Seventeen tracks from the ever hard-working Good Riddance. And just like every other time, I really wish I enjoyed them more. Despite my admiration for their work ethic, persistence, endurance, and outspoken philosophy, I just can’t get into their brand of every-suburban town style of punk. There’s just not enough originality to set them apart. No, not even their “attempt” at mixing pop-punk and old-school hardcore. It ends up sounding all the same. Think Fat Wreck, think 88 finger-pointing NYHC, think both blended together. It doesn’t scream originality. Some people won’t mind because they like their punk to be no-nonsense and straight to the point, just like Good Riddance. I applaud those people because there’s nothing wrong with finding comfort in a familiar sound. But for those of us a bit more picky, Good Riddance just doesn’t cut it.
(PO Box 193690 San Francisco, CA 94119)