The Living End

Author: Kevin Walker

The Living End
The Living End
(Reprise)
★★ 

Tuneful punkers from Down Under, The Living End has been together since 1991 but is still trying to get a foothold in America. The 14 songs here run the gamut of punk rock cliches – raving guitars, shouted choruses, anti-establishment rants and songs about “being a brat” and not needing advice from anyone.

But there are also interesting surprises, such as the unexpected hook in the chorus for “Growing Up (Falling Down).” Or the guitar lick from “Bloody Mary” that’s reminiscent of the one in the Clash’s “Brand New Cadillac.” Solid work, but nothing you haven’t heard done a little bit better on any of Green Day’s albums.