The Offspring, "Ixnay On The Hombre"
(Columbia CD)

In 1994, a small Orange County band called the Offspring led by a guy called Dexter made a worldwide invitation to "Come Out and Play." After some major chart domination, the band's second album, Smash, was heralded as such and locked into the annals of mainstream punk history. Almost three years later, the Offspring are back to bring fear into the eyes and hearts of the conservative set with Ixnay on the Hombre; they are loud and intelligent with a sense of humor thrown in for a twist.

Ixnay begins with the tongue-in-cheek "Disclaimer," a prepared statement presented by the king of thoughtfully cynical sentiment, Jello Biafra. He cautions that there are real world depictions on the album. As the first side begins with Biafra, so must the second side rival--"Intermission" is a 45-second cocktail nation interlude. Several noticeable influences are apparent on Ixnay--from the Damned ("Mota") to Jane's Addiction ("Me & My Old Lady" and "I Choose"). No big surprise on the latter as Ixnay was produced by Jane's Addiction producer Dave Jerden. Most recommendable are "Leave it Behind," your all-purpose classic punk combination, and "I Choose," the Offspring's contribution to dance club rotation. They also take a stab at punk ska on "Don't Pick it Up." The Offspring didn't run themselves into any corners on Ixnay on the Hombre, sampling a plethora of styles and doing it well. Ixnay is indeed a worthy follow-up to Smash. Expectations met and surpassed!

By Dayna Cramer, from The Rocket magazine - March 14, 1997