Emerging from the blue-collar swamps of Berkeley, California, Rancid has now been a living, breathing punk rock band for over a quarter century.

Back in 1991, after the demise of their much beloved and still influential first band, Operation Ivy, founding members Tim Armstrong (vocals, guitar) and Matt Freeman (bass, vocals) decided to do the impossible — start an even better band. Thus, Rancid.

Through it all, Rancid has remained fiercely independent, never losing their loyalty to community or each other. Their music confronts political and social issues, while balancing personal tales of love, loss, and heartbreak with attitude. Rancid gives their listeners a community where everyone can belong. By carrying on the traditions and spirit of the original punk rock bands that came before, Rancid has become a legend an inspiration to punk bands that have come after. They are the living embodiment of East Bay punk.

Today, Bay Area punk legends Rancid have released their debut self-titled EP on streaming services for the first time ever. Exclusively released on 7-inch vinyl back in 1992 on Lookout! Records, the inaugural Rancid EP is the band’s seminal five-track induction to punk rock that set the tone for a prolific and subversive thirty-plus year run.

Recently, Rancid’s B Sides and C Sides compilation of early works was also made available on streaming services as a collection for the first time. Originally released in 2007, the blistering 24 track set features songs that span 1992 to 2004.

It’s been an incredible opportunity for me to review these tracks.

The EP contains 5 tracks brimming with angst and raw power. Exactly what you would expect from a punk band. Every single track was spectacular. When a band commands your attention on every track from an EP you know they are doing something right.

If I had to choose one favourite track from the EP it would have to be “I’m not the only one” purely for the gritty and almost grunge feel to it. The bass line was stunning and love the rockabilly undertone.

This was setting the tone well and truly for the B/C sides and I couldn’t wait to dive in.

Straight off the bat the B/C sides are bringing raw gritty energy and vocals. I absolutely love the to nod ska and rockabilly in there as I’m a big lover of that too. The B/C sides are testament to the statement that punk is well and truly not dead.

There are bands that I can see that have similar styles such as Bowling for Soup and Green Day. Which are also bands that I love and have grown up with.

Rancid have this raw power to just command every single track and have you completely immersed from start to finish.

The flair with the guitar work is something in itself and it’s clear to see the musical talent is being showcased in its entirety, as well the ability to write such compelling powerful, and thought provoking songs with a message many others may struggle to express. Very much the power of punk.

Punk is very much based on expression in my opinion and music being such an incredible art form. Rancid are doing just that with these kick ass tracks.

Standouts for me was “F**k You”, “Sick Sick World” and “Killing Zone” man the riffs on that track were insane.

Overall I absolutely love that Rancid have always kept true to their style and have been well and truly kicking ass for all these years. I can say with confidence this is one of the best punk bands around and I invite everyone to dive in and give them a listen. There’s a reason they are still going strong and these tracks have just proven it.

Review by Lucy Parr

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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