NOFX
's
lo-fi
debut is routine, mid-'80s SoCal
punk
in the vein of
the Descendants
and other bratty, mile-a-minute
bands; while most of the sonic characteristics that later defined the group's sound (including
Bad Religion
-influenced vocal harmonies) are missing,
Maximum RocknRoll
proves that
's goofball humor was in effect from day one (see
"Six Pack Girls,"
"Cops and Donuts,"
and
"Shitting Bricks"
). Perhaps best of all is the band's cover of
Black Sabbath
"Iron Man."
The liner notes include a June 1991
Maximum Rock 'n' Roll
interview with
Fat Mike
, in which he gives props to bands like
Snuff
Green Day
. Amusing and historically interesting, but only for serious fans. [
Mystic
issued an enhanced edition in 2008.] ~ Andy Hinds