NOFX - First Ditch Effort

After three decades of reigning as the kings of punk rock, NOFX returned in 2016 with their thirteenth studio album, First Ditch Effort. Far from a "victory lap," this record finds frontman Fat Mike stepping out from behind the band's usual wall of sarcasm to confront mortality, addiction, and sobriety with "unflinching honesty." While the band helped pioneer the melodic punk sound alongside peers like Bad Religion, this collection proves they are still "pushing their own musical boundaries," trading some of their signature speed for a more "dynamic and somber" complexity.

Produced by Cameron Webb (Motörhead, Alkaline Trio), the vinyl pressing highlights the "rich, punchy textures" of the band’s most personal songs to date. From the catchy, conspiracy-laced "Sid and Nancy" to the "soul-baring" eulogy for Tony Sly, "I'm So Sorry Tony," First Ditch Effort is a "darkly brilliant" soundtrack to both the end of the world and the start of a new chapter.