File Under: Punk rating: A- tracks 1. Medio-core 2. Idiots Are Taking Over 3. Franco Un-American 4. Hardcore 84 5. Commercial (hidden) related links NOFX Fat Wreck Chords

A short and sweet precursor to their next album, Regaining Unconsciousness can appeal to anyone that listens to any form of punk rock, whether it is old school hardcore or emo, this EP has at least a lyric for you. You can tell that years of playing and touring have made NOFX a lot more diverse than when they started, many years ago, but they still have their "we never quite made it to the mainstream punk scene like Green Day" appeal. The four tracks found here are quality, but this "EP" is just a thinly veiled mask for a four track promo for their forthcoming album.

One way or another the tracks on this album each have their own individual appeal. On "Medio-Core" you get to see what their previous albums would sound like if they slowed down and Fat Mike tried to sing… like if NOFX was traditional rock. Even if the music here isn't too wonderful, the lyrics compensate in their humorous observation of going to see just an average band with average talent that puts on an average show. The track does pick up towards the end, but it does sound like they are trying to hard, but intentionally, so it's OK. "The Idiots are Taking Over" pokes a little fun at the fact that most people really don't have control over who's in charge, and they just have to live with it. These punks compare the way that they feel that this nation is turning out is much like "Charlton Heston stranded on a primate planet." Understandably so, but this isn't the venue for me to voice my opinion about how the United States is doing, but it is my opportunity to tell you that NOFX has written a very good song about how the idiots are taking over. "Franco-Un-American" sounds like the music could have been performed by the Reunion Show with the incorporation of a keyboard in a slightly un-NOFX style, but it works. This is another track that is very politically charged, making reference to everyone from Noam Chomsky to Ralph Nader. The bands views may appear to be a bit to the left, but at least they appear to be making informed decisions. "Hardcore 84" is easily the most in-your-face track on the album, tracking the movement of hardcore through the early 80s. The "hidden" track five is nothing more than an extended commercial for their forthcoming album from which all of their tracks (possibly with the exception of "Hardcore" '84") will appear. It gives some brief cuts from the album, mixed in with some typical NOFX style humor.

Overall this four track EP is rather good. Unfortunatly, I don't really see the need to buy it (aside from the exceptionally cool cover art) when all they need to do is wait until May for the full version of The War on Errorism. I say pick this up if you are a hardcore NOFX fan or have an extra five bucks that you don't think you need, otherwise, I would highly recommend checking out the new album once it is released. Also, "Hardcore 84" does not appear to be on the track listing for The War on Errorism, now that's something to think about.

Jason Cipriano is the Senior Editor. Contact him at jasonc@rockzone.com.