Smash - Offspring

Thrash that takes itself too seriously rapidly degenerates into boring noise: California-based neo-punk band Offspring certainly don't run any risk of that. Laced with a quirky sense of humour, Smash is the best thrash punk album I've heard in years. With overtones of Motorhead, Hawkwind, Sabbath, Scorpions, and Madness (yes, thrash ska!), Offspring give you the best of old and new sounds.

What Happened to You?, the outstanding Madness rip-off, really should become a summer single. Bouncy, funny, original and guaranteed to get you on your feet, it deserves prime time exposure. It's worth buying the CD just for this track, even if you're not much of a fan of raucous music.

Punctuated at inappropriate moments by bizarre voice-overs telling you to relax and put your feet up, Smash is glorious fun. Turn up the volume, open the windows, and introduce the neighbourhood to Offspring!

Warning: contains some offensive lyrics.

Epitaph 86432-2

By Matt Kelland, from UK Online Music