(Fat Wreck Chords)

www.fatwreckchords.com

There really is no middle ground with a band like NOFX - you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. And despite the band's apparent plan to offend and piss off as many as possible, I've always fallen into the love ‘em camp. Their latest, a five song EP, does little to dissuade my opinion of the band.

All of the songs on Cokie the Clown were left of their latest full length when it was released a few months back. The tracks, with the exception of the acoustic version of "My Orphan Year", all sound very much like NOFX songs - tight, funny and short.  A version of "My Orphan Year" first appeared on Coaster (issued earlier this year), but this acoustic version is even better. The song is extremely personal, talking about Fat Mike's relationship with his father and mother and describes his reaction to both of them dying; a beautifully sad song and even more surprising considering the source.  

"Codependence Day" and the title track bring you back to classic NOFX with themes of booze and drugs - a band staple.

For a group that writes two-minute punk songs, the EP is frustratingly short - coming in at under 15 minutes. But considering their recent slew of releases (Coaster, Backstage Pass, etc.) chances are you won't have to wait around too long for the next batch of new songs.

Standout Tracks: "Cokie the Clown," "My Orphan Year" JOHN MOORE