Roger Miret & the Disasters

Roger Miret has managed to stay fresh for over 20 years, transforming Agnostic Front from hardcore punks to socially conscious metalheads to punk-pop revivalists through the years. After reaching this last point, he broke out on his own and put together Roger Miret and the Disasters. Inspired by the British Oi! scene, these songs are dynamic pop nuggets that offer plenty of charged guitar and tuneless hooks. Miret spews his most passionate performance since 1986's Cause for Alarm; he almost sounds like he's singing here (although his snot-nosed yelp is still very intact). An emphasis on group chantalongs and short songs makes for a very effective mix, and the lack of variety is easily dismissed when the tracks never get the chance to overstay their welcome (few songs break the two-minute mark). It is slightly disconcerting to hear the crafty old hardcore metal pioneer playing punk-pop without any trace of thrashing guitars or ugly breakbeats. But Miret's growth has been impressive, and his debut unveils what a powerful songwriter he can be even in an overcrowded genre such as this one. Boasting a lyrical strength missing from most punk-pop records and some brilliant hooks for a guy who can't hold a tune, Miret's first solo effort is a fun and exuberant album that shows why he is still a vital part of the punk underground.