Wolves In Wolves' Clothing

In 2006, the country was in the middle of the George W. Bush presidency and NOFX leader Fat Mike was about to turn 40. These dual situations—one external, one internal—form the basis for Wolves in Wolves' Clothing. While the attacks on Bush-era America are unapologetically malicious (“USA-Holes,” “Leaving Jesusland,” “100 Times F**keder,” “Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing”), the album’s heart comes from the vulnerability and honesty Mike shows on “Doornails,” “Getting High on the Down Low," and “Instant Classic,” which all express the self-loathing, self-doubt, and remorse of being a middle-aged punk rocker. Almost every punk band ever has questioned authority, but NOFX does something much braver: On “60%” and “One Celled Creature,” the members question their purpose as a band. NOFX is by no means giving up—its music is as energized and urgent as ever—and instead is seeking new ways to tell the truth. NOFX is sometimes derided as a joke band, but Wolves understands the deeper intent of comedians: to explore uncomfortable truths about oneself and share them in the hopes of alleviating our collective discomfort.