Review: "Hard Times" adds new twist to Social D formula

Bands in the punk rock spectrum usually have a shelf life of three albums.

The first sets the tone of the group, the second reinforces this tone and the third typically annoys the listener with a dozen or so songs that sound just like the last two albums.

However, some bands in this genre manage to escape this fate, and Social Distortion is one of them. After almost 25 years, the band, which has gone through several incarnations while always retaining front man Mike Ness, is still making music and bringing punks of all ages to music venues across the nation.

The punk legend's most recent release, "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes," proves the group can still put out a teeth-grinding, head-banging and mosh-inducing record. But there is more to this album than meets the eye. Sure, the melody is hard, the tempo is fast and guitar solos are plentiful, but that's not all "Hard Times" has to offer.

Punk bands are known for lyrics about heartbreak, drug addiction and various forms of debauchery. Social Distortion was no different, until now. This album sets a totally new tone for the listener. This time around, the lyrics offer hope. If every other Social Distortion album is about some form of damnation, this one is certainly about redemption.

The album also incorporates blues riffs and country melodies that delightfully vary the music. Ness has long been known as a fan of country and has two solo albums to prove it. Still, he has never brought that side of his creativity to Social Distortion. Regardless of why he felt it was time now, the mixture is brilliant. This album opens up doorways to new fans who may have found this band a bit too punkish before. It will gather an onslaught of listeners who would have looked at Ness's tattoo-covered skin and overalls, and quickly moved along.

This album also accomplishes something the band has had trouble doing since their 1990 self-titled album. With "Can't Take it With You," Social Distortion has crafted a song that could easily be played on the radio. Sure, it still has the punk core, but with a bluesy set of back-up vocalists and a piano solo, this song sets itself apart from anything the group has done before.

Despite the obvious positives, this experimentation could be the only downside to the album. Some fans who enjoy the repetitive punk sound may feel a bit out of touch with "Hard Times." The roots are still there, but they're convoluted with the new introductions.

This shouldn't be a major problem though, since most Social Distortion fans are loyal to the band no matter what. Hopefully, this new album will only further their appreciation for the group.