Search - Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards :: Viking

What happened Lars?

Nick Colosi | Chesterland, OH, USA | 05/26/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Lars' side project appeals to me because it songs pretty much exactly like Rancid, and their first CD was pretty awesome, a solid punk album for all fans of Rancid. They were a safe haven from the transplants stuff and Skinhead Rob's rap. This record is not bad, in fact the music is actually really good and some of the tracks are legendary (1% and Skins, Punx, and DrunX).



There is one problem, and it's BIG!



The lyrics drive this album right into the ground. After the fifth or sixth song about prostitutes and how we're gonna screw them and then kill them, you're about ready to put this CD away for a long while. I agree with the guy who said that the album booklet was completely unneccessary, and even Tim Armstrong couldn't pull "My Life to Live" out of the fire.



This is just mediocre, bottom line. I know punk lyrics are nothing deep, but c'mon guys, spend more than half of five minutes and write something at least decent."

Not bad

Wally | New Jersey | 08/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"8.5 STARS OUT OF 10



I'm a huge Rancid fan. As you can imagine, I was pretty excited about a second Lars album coming out. Lar's first album surprised me in how good it was, and I was expecting more of the same with Viking.



When I first cracked it open, I didn't care for it. It seemed all over the place. The first and last few songs had a Rancid 2000 feel to it. Throw in a couple of covers, a ballad, a few mainstream punk sounding songs and you had Viking. It wound up in my CD case after about a week.



A few months later, I decided to pop it back out, and I can say the album really grew on me. It's sometimes hard, sometimes soft, but always catchy. As usual, Tim Armstrong is all over the album with his lyrics and even a guest appearence.



Much better then 99% of the junk out these days."

Great album!

Ryan Lovejoy | 07/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"sure, the lyrics are chock full of tough guy thug-esque lyrics, but you are all missing the point. lars is an admitted sex-aholic as well as a drinker and smoker..and probally gets/got into his share of fights as well. yes, lars' first album is definately better, but that one was made to be a little bio of lars' life. this one is a fun album chock full of hard hitting punk rock. the lyrics sheet could have been uncensored though. that would have been more hardcore. the album contains some great covers, appearances by skinhead rob and tim armstrong, short fast songs, and a closing track that will make you want to laugh, but you will feel bad because lars is pouring himself out to you.



for rancid fans, this is a must...if you are just a casual rancid fanand/or just like the pre self titled 2000 stuff, steer clear would be the best advice."