The Shape of Punk to Come＜Colored Vinyl＞

Many who listen to this album will say "Hey, this isn't punk" after not finding the power chords and I-IV-V structures that they associate with poppy skatepunk bands like NOFX and Lagwagon, but this is what revolution is all about -- taking an industry of specifications and expectations and turning it fully on its head, yet holding on to some semblance of what once was. Refused are pure innovation and passion spouting Nation of Ulysses-esque doctrine while fusing together the bite and flavor of fist-raised, Dillinger Escape Plan-style hardcore with ambient textures, jazz breakdowns, and other such deviations. Choppy, beautiful movements, choked thoughts, and feelings of elevation -- this is what punk is all about, although to the common ear it may not sound like it, and that is precisely one of the reasons why it is so potent. [In 2010, Epitaph reissued a Deluxe Version of The Shape of Punk to Come in a three-disc set, complete with a bonus live CD and a DVD documentary.] ~ Blake Butler