No Use For A Name

Editor's Review:

Sunnyvale punk rockers No Use For a Name have just released their fifth full length album entitled Making Friends, their second for Fat Wreck Chords. Tony Sly, Chris Shiflett, Matt Riddle, and Roarin’ Rory Koff have spent time touring with such bands as the Offspring, and have traveled on the very first Warped Tour.

The songs on this CD are much less hardcore than one would expect from a band labeled punk. Lead singer Tony Sly’s vocals have a much better tone to them than the rough bellowing of bands of the same genre. This effect can go one of two ways: it could serve to hurt the rough sound so necessary to a true punk sound or, depending on your point of view, the more melodic sound can be a refreshing change from the harsh norm. These softer tones are especially evident in the final song on the album, "Fields of Athenry," in which the intro has an unmistakable country/light rock influence. Not only is the sound lighter, including many more vocal harmonies than most popular music, but the lyrics in general have a "softer side" to them, straying from the usual obscene bitching loved by punksters.

This theme does not run constant throughout the CD; there are songs like "Best Regards" with its gruff vocals and bitter lyrics, and "Sidewalk," which has a noticeably faster pace and a much angrier tone. "Sidewalk" also includes social commentary, discussing the issue of homelessness. In another unexpected turn, the point of view in this song is from that of the more fortunate bystander, rather than the suffering victim. "Growing Down" also carries the theme of social criticism, telling the story of a couple about to become reluctant parents.

It seems to me that this CD would be ideal for those that stand around the walls at hardcore shows, the ones too intimidated to join the raging mob in the front of the room. This CD, while it has its own style to it, simply cannot give the adrenaline rush that comes from truly hardcore music.

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Record Label Fat Wreck Chords Released April 2001

Tracks The Answer Is Still No Invincible Growing Down On The Outside A Postcard Would Be Nice Secret Best Regards Revenge Sidewalk 3 Month Weekend Sitting Duck Fields Of Athenry