For a band that’s been around for over 26 years, The Offspring shows very few signs of stopping. Their latest release, entitled Days Go By is a reflective album exploring themes of the past, present, and future (as you may have guessed from the album cover).
Musically, the 12-track offering is a return to the classic drum- and guitar-driven sound of early Offspring releases, and comes across as very sincere. The title track on Days Go By is an upbeat romp, combining various aspects of modern pop-rock with that classic Offspring flavor. Speaking of classic Offspring flavor, the track that follows, “Turning Into You”, is just that. The structure and flow of the song is very reminiscent of their 1994 hit “Gotta Get Away“.
The album’s overall tone is very groovy and flows smoothly from track to track, making a straight listen-through a simple and enjoyable experience. Beware, however, as the transition from “Hurting as One” to “Cruising California” is an abrupt one, and if you’re not ready for it, you’ll quickly find yourself bobbing your head like the blonde girl in that Rebecca Black video. Ew.
Days Go By is well mastered, and sounds exceptionally clear for an Offspring album. The subtleties sprinkled throughout the various songs demonstrate the amount of care that was taken with regard to production, which has made this one of my favorite albums by one of my favorite ska punk bands.
Longtime fans of The Offspring will find this album inviting and engaging. Folks who are new to the band will also find much to enjoy, and will want to pick up several gems from the group’s back-catalog for perspective. Like a fine wine, The Offspring has matured, yet has shown that punk rock (or at least, California punk) doesn’t have an age limit.
Days Go By is an interesting and listenable album devoid of any glaring flaws. For that, I am thankful.
