Northern Avenger

This may be Vancouver's D.O.A.'s 12th album, but it's the first in 26 years to reconstitute their original fiery punk style. Reviews compare Northern Avenger to their classic first two LPs, 1980's Something Better Change and 1981's Hardcore '81, and it would be true if the band coerced drummer Chuck Biscuits back. But the return of original bassist Randy Rampage is huge, not only because it gives sole constant Joey "S******d" Keithley a second third of his original, vaunted trio, but Rampage's playing ignites the fluid-fast chops of that stunning era. Several hot tracks, such as the catchy "Last Chance," riff-wonder "Crossfire," and "Golden State," easily stack up to the likes of "The Enemy" and "The Prisoner." Moreover, with latest drummer Floor Tom Jones pounding like late Biscuits brother Dimwit (Ken Montgomery), Northern Avenger feels like a gnarlier update on 1982's Clash-like War on 45. From the opening "Human Bomb" to the rockin' cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's antiwar 1970 number two "Who Will Stop the Rain," with stops at slamming hockey frenzy "Donnybrook," skanking ska tracks, and the cutting "Police Brutality," it's relentless, high-energy drive for any era. Even with classic rock producer Bob Rock, such influences from recent albums are eschewed for the mix Rock summoned on D.O.A.'s earliest two 7"s 30 years ago. Too bad Rampage is gone again, now; on this 48 minutes, the present checks the past into the boards. ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, Rovi