One of the key players of the '90s punk rock revival, The Offspring's Smash, released independently, was hugely successful and thrusted the Garden Grove band into the mainstream. Ixnay on the Hombre followed four years later (some label issues during this time, as fans are aware), and instead of delivering Smash part two, Dexter Holland, Greg Kriesel, Noodles, and Ron Welty expanded their sound for the 1997 LP. The decision resulted in a more rock-oriented album, and it birthed well received singles like "All I Want," "Gone Away," and "The Meaning Of Life." Although musically, some of the raucous, raw aesthetic is scaled back, the attitude that was central to Smash is very present in Ixnay…, and the 14-tracker has held well over the last 20 years. Other highlights: "The Meaning Of Life" and "I Choose." This is the 20th anniversary reissue on 180g opaque golden vinyl, and it is housed in a textured jacket w/ gold foil print. Includes a matte custom printed sleeve + heavyweight insert printed with gold foil.

• limited edition reissue
• gold opaque vinyl pressing
• music label: Columbia 1997 / 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 1/2018