Boston's snottiest practitioners return with an economical album packing plenty of fluid guitar punch. Yet the irreverence which once moved frontman 's mob to demolish 's remains proudly intact (although history does not record how their peers felt). and have no trouble upholding the brattiness of yore. However, neither does the band champion self-abuse for its own sake, as 's bleary-eyed boozer makes plain. issue similar admonitions to straighten out before self-destruction takes over. Still other songs warn against nursing grudges ( ), forgetting to communicate ( ), and sexual jealousy ("Tricked into Bed...Again"). The group also displays a serious political outlook on and a righteously angry rampage through ' anti-British standard, The mood is crisp and economical, with few songs breaking the two-and-a-half-minute barrier. Musically speaking, remains grounded in , bolstered by the mile-a-minute leads typically associated with and effective use of tempo changes. Surprisingly subtle touches keep the music honest, such as the break that pops up in Former guitarist/mainman provides crucial production and playing assistance, while assorted cronies lend gang-style backing choruses as needed (yielding a lengthy credit list that would do any award-presenter proud). This is 's most accomplished effort; where they go from here will be interesting to watch. ~ Ralph Heibutzki