VITAMIN X

Age Of Paranoia SOUTHERN LORD Dutch straight-edge crew keep it short, fast and furious

The sixth full-length album from these seasoned Amsterdambased straight-edge hardcore punks proves that they’ve still got it, even some 20 years on. Age Of Paranoia jams 16 very solid tracks into 28 exhilarating minutes and features guest guitar solos from J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr., Witch) and Bubba Dupree (Soundgarden, Void) along the way. Newly signed to Southern Lord, this is technically the band’s first big label release, but the DIY spirit and thrashy rock’n’roll is not lost. From start to finish, the pace is fast and the groove strong, and Marc Emmerik’s fretwork is wild and elating. Rollercoaster Ride and Speak No Evil prove particularly pleasing, but most songs are quickly addictive and memorable with early 80s hardcore punk angst, 1970s rock riffs, and singalong gang vocals. Yet another credible and catchy delivery that should translate well live. FOR FANS OF: MINOR THREAT, CRO-MAGS, GOOD CLEAN FUN