NEW RELEASE
The Offspring: Splinter
2.5 stars
The Offspring are a relative punk rock tour de force -- the band's staying power alone has to say something. But, unfortunately, as the Orange County, Calif. rockers have aged, the quality of their releases has dwindled. "Splinter" is the closest thing the band has released to decent since "Ixnay on the Hombre" in 1997. "Americana" and "Conspiracy of One" (1998, 2000) saw Dexter Holland and company attempting to capitalize on the success of novelty hits like, "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)," and the politically edged personal punk rock that was the band's appeal fell away. "Splinter" has tracks reminiscent of the blistering tunes from the band's early records ("The Noose;" "Lightning Rod"). In fact, many of Holland's melody lines are too similar, and when coupled with guitarist Noodles' well-worn three-chord compositions, tend to bore ("Race Against Myself;" "Da Hui"). The Offspring has released three terrific records, but each before 1995. "Splinter" is an honest effort from an honest group of musicians, but, unfortunately, it's a disappointment, as it doesn't have enough edge or substance to stand up with the band's excellent early work.
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