Review: NOFX Hardcore 10”

Review: NOFX Hardcore 10” – There’s nothing about this release that’s really appealing. NOFX isn’t a hardcore band, and the guys don’t do a very compelling job of covering the genre. NOFX fans won’t care to hear the band do these obscure hardcore covers, and hardcore fans probably aren’t going to like the band’s attempt at the genre. The appeal just isn’t there.

Then there’s the lack of a title. It’s unofficially been dubbed the NOFX “Hardcore 10-inch,” simply based on the genre and size of the record. That’s because the band opted not to give it a name or even declare it a self-titled effort. There’s no track list for the nine songs contained on it, and both the sleeve and record simply featured the letters NOFX in the quadrants of an X (I actually kind of like that image, though), with no other liners or images. There’s a good chance the band is being purposefully cryptic, but it also comes across as quite half-assed, as if they kind of put their heads down and covered their faces while sending it out to store shelves.

The record is pressed, of course, simply on black vinyl (a “picture” disc is also available), with all songs fitting on one side of the 10” (running at 45 rpm) and the other side blank with a simple note instructing listeners not to bother playing that side. Overall, I’m not a fan of the record.

But here’s the thing, those who share the same hardcore influences as NOFX might get a kick out of this, and for some good reasons. 1) It sounds fine on the vinyl pressing, but 2) NOFX records it in a decidedly old-school style that reminds of the hardcore recordings from that era. 3) For those who haven’t already spoiled things for themselves by taking to the internet, it serves as a fun “name that song” kind of game. 4) The band does a surprisingly good job of switching gears and falling comfortably (and energetically) into a new (old) style for this release. Just don’t expect a download card.

Review by: Bill Jones

Sound/Press Quality: 4/5
The Album: 2/5
Artwork/Packaging: 2/5