Off With Their Heads – Be Good

Off With Their Heads has become one of the last remaining gruff punk bands to stay active over on the Epitaph roster.  The Minneapolis, Minnesota four-piece has somehow beat the odds and kept a fierce fanbase despite the relative decline of the genre in recent years.   The band has been remarkably active across their seventeen year stint, especially focusing on releasing EPs, picture discs and singles. So it is somewhat unique that the band’s latest LP, Be Good, only marks their fifth full length.  

Also unique this time around is how their latest effort is both welcomingly familiar and pleasantly experimental.  Front man Ryan Young’s gruff, gravelly tone is as distinct as ever, remaining the gold standard against which similar band’s strive to achieve.  Those with a penchant for the likes of Leatherface, Ex-Friends and Beach Slang already know Off With Their Heads really hits the spot.  The lyrics for opener “Disappear” should appeal to those willing to delve into introspection and self identity, hitting home with lines like, “The time we have spent apart, made me realize that I’m torn, between the person I was, who I wanted to be, and the one I mourned.”  Yet for all its sonic and thematic familiarity, the track unravels with clean vocals and methodically resonant chords before launching into a steadily melodic chorus of dirty riffs and deep gravelly words. Marking a careful divergence from past albums, the moderate tempo and dualistic style serves as an impressive primer for the road ahead.  

From here the band further balances these tempo shifts between the abrupt hardcore vocal styling of “No Love” and the swaggering, singable melody of “Take Me Away.”  Placed alongside one another the tracks express the band’s willingness to evolve from their early days as strict orgcore heroes (if we’re even still using that term these days).  Others like “You Will Die” channel a casual anthemic vibe, the type that after a few drinks you’d link arms with your mates and sway to a slow crawling beat in your favourite neighbourhood dive.  The same can be said between the vocally restrained “Locking Eyes” and gnashing chords of “Severe Errand.” Overall, the band does an admirable job of balancing these disparate interests with skill and precision.

Be Good is a no brainer for fans of Off With Their Heads.  Sure, it’s a little different than past efforts, but you’d hope for that from a vetran punk band on their fifth full length.  The passion, authenticity and relatable nature of Off With Their Heads’ latest ensures that each track is edgy yet approachable, and wholly enjoyable.  Be Good is a rock solid choice for anyone looking to add a gruff touch to their melodic punk rock.