For this "New Music Monday," let's talk about consistency. In a world where there’s constant motion and nothing is ever the same, it’s nice to have an old predictable standby now and then. The group Bad Religion, despite having a fluid lineup over the years, has been the model of consistency musically for the last 30 years. Formed in 1979, the group has done things their own way and on their own terms.


An independently ran band on a self started label both which have grown in the face of constant worldly change. 15 studio albums and a handful of live records later, the recipe remains the same. Sophisticated, socially responsible lyrics with soaring three part harmonies (oohs and ahhs). While musical ‘staticism’ is dangerous for most acts, Bad Religion has hung its collective hat on a way of writing and playing their music. And it works.

30 years is a long time to do the same thing and not get tired. “The Dissent of Man” is the fifteenth studio album from Bad Religion and coincidentally aligns with their 30th anniversary. And while it isn’t all that much different from stuff produced a decade or two ago, it’s kind of comforting to have a reassurance in something you have always known. Is it their best? I don’t think so but it is a solid addition to any Bad Religion fan’s library.

I’d estimate overall that “The Dissent of Man” has clear evidence of the Bad Religion sound, driving guitars, and pissed off lyrics. But I would say that there are tunes on this record that are clearly filler. Most of the songs are slower than the typical ripping anthems created in the past. That’s not bad or good. Just a little different. I wouldn’t say that there are definitive songs off this album. It’s one of those punk records you just let play because of a mix of standouts and filler. Bad Religion has always addressed the important stuff in their songs, social consciousness, political thoughtfulness, and existence. Greg Gaffin has that distinct voice of punk and has led hi band through the years of change and maturity while maintaining a truthfulness to his objective

Only Rain – Prototypical BR. A ripping beat, ultra fast guitar riff, oohs and ahhs, and metaphoric lyrics about judgment and the end of the world. Listen to this song if you have never heard BR.

Someone to Believe – BR has always run contrary to the grain and questioned beliefs of the masses and the need for people to follow a flock. Musically, it’s a punch in the stomach while the lyrics are about self awareness and confidence found in oneself rather than a pulpit.

Cyanide – Ah the analogy of lost love is like kissing cyanide. We all know the feeling. This is a little folksier, bluesy, BR. The melodic hardcore roots are there but its tempo is slower for the average listener

Bad Religion is one of the all-time great punk bands. They’re one of the premiere melodic hardcore bands, blending hooks and smooth vocals with hardcore music. After 30 years, the band is still touring and releasing new albums. As a matter of fact, Bad Religion appeared at the Showbox in Seattle several nights ago. They’ve always been a politically charged band behind the “oohs and ahhs”, and their new album is no different. If you are a fan of genre defining acts, Bad Religion is just that.

After three decades, the band can still hash out new material. "The Dissent of Man" is not a masterpiece by punk or music standards. However, the handful of distinct Bad Religion-true songs on the record make this album a worthy add to you collection. Furthermore, this is an album that will definitely satisfy BR fans and punk fans alike. To continue forging forward through the winds of change and the fickleness of the music industry is a major accomplishment. Can you do the same thing and remain relevant for 30 years? Not many of us can without reinventing ourselves. The element of punk consistency does not disappoint in "The Dissent of Man."