The Alternative Star.com

Album:  Rancid – Let the Dominoes Fall

Release Date: June 2, 2009 on Epitaph

Rancid have pretty much been a band as long as I’ve been alive and that in itself is a huge accomplishment. While the guys took a long break and the line up did recently shift when Brett Reed was replaced by Brendan Steineckert on drums, that’s it and they are still playing the same reggae infused punk rock that put them on the map. With 19 tracks in 45 minutes, Let the Dominoes Fall isn’t going to change your opinion of the band, either you already love them or you don’t. The single “Last One to Die” is epically catchy and the lyrics stand true to the band’s lasting power. “Up To No Good” is another really catchy but more reggae based track that proves the band still has it. On “Civilian Ways” the band spices things up by tossing in a mandolin, something Rancid haven’t always done in the past however. Ultimately, the only real downfall is the lack of singing by Lars Frederiksen. Tim Armstrong’s voice is fine but Frederiksen’s is way better and it would have been more awesome to have him sing way more songs, not just contribute backup vocals. “New Orleans” is really the only song that Lars can be heard, yet another catchy punk tune where you can hear Matt Freeman’s thumping bass clearly.

Final  Verdict?

4/5

Reviewed by: Deborah Remus