Search - Nofx :: Liberal Animation

A good album, but quite different than their other releases

10/14/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"if you grown to like nofx from their later releases like punk in drublic, or white trash, two heebs and a been, then chances are you won't find this appealing. this album was from their earlier sessions where there was more of a metal/grind/hardcore influence to their sound. they still have their humor and satire in their lyrics, which makes for some amusing listening experiences. so, if you like nofx for their lyrics and their do it yourself attitude, regardless of how they sound, by all means buy this album. if you like more of a pop punk, softer melodic sound, then buy their later releases."

Don't listen to those who downplay this album

Hoser | 08/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the type of album for all of us punk fans to thrash around to. The sound here is very harsh, not for pussies. The guitar work will blow you away, and Fat Mike writes the funniest lyrics! Get this if you like thrash punk with a silly twist. Actually, this may appeal to some metalheads too, so if you're into 80's metal you'll be impressed with the speed thrash and metallic riffs that show everywhere on this album.



Do not listen to those who downplay this album. This is weird but unique and in-your-face hardcore, not the pop-punk stuff they've been putting out since after this release. It may not have the best production quality, but on the other hand it is very raw and will kick your a$$. Go out and buy this if you know what's good for you."

NOFX at their peak

Hoser | 08/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tinging their unique yet generic sound that accompanied previous NOFX classics such as Live Your Life, So What If We're On Mystic and The PMRC Can Suck On This with a more raw attitude and plenty more thrash to boot, Liberal Animation shows NOFX at their peak. This album takes the crossover between American hardcore punk and 80's thrash metal, gives it a big twist and takes the effect to the maximum, as did many other bands of the 80's that blended hardcore with metal (Dr. Know, Stalag 13, etc). The guitars are harsh as ever and show no mercy, giving as much share of the pie to others but not so much as to lose the overkilling thrash effect (listen to songs like Beer Bong to get full effect of the guitars). On the other hand, Mike's vocals are often off key, and his hoarse, cracking and almost drunken teenage accent are buggy, however straight-forward he sings. But when Mike manages to pull off as much screaming as possible so as to not go overboard or disgrace the band's efforts (just listen to his harsh vocals in songs like Shut Up Already or Piece) and boast his enthusiasm on foolish humor (Sloppy English, Beer Bong, Truck Stop Blues) and angry, ruthless political satire (Freedumb, Mr. Jones, You Put Your Chocolate In My Peanut Butter), he gives the band a shocking amount of energy and raw power, never hesitating to noodle the bass with catchy hooks, and both Steve (guitarist) and Mike can work together and put out some great intros (Truck Stop Blues, Shut Up Already, Vegetarian Mumbo Jumbo). Smelly still doesn't quit his machine-gun effect on the drums and pounds even harder than he did before, giving a lot of clipping and pulse-pounding effects. The production that adds to the works of each of the band members makes the album perhaps the most raw piece of music I have ever heard in my life. There will probably never be another album that will manage to pull off sounding as raw an album like this (at least in a greater manner).



After hearing this album, it's a shame to know that NOFX no longer address this sort of sound in their music and instead opt for the annoying pop-punk sound they've had for years.



For those who enjoy the pop-punk sound that NOFX have been putting out in albums such as Pump Up the Valuum, BE WARNED: This is not NOFX as they are now. Liberal Animation is thrashier, crazier, and holds very little (if any at all) sound similarities to the new NOFX. If you enjoy thrashy progressive crossover rock with silly lyrics, harsh noise and very raw production, however, this will rock your world. Get this first, then get Maximum Rocknroll."