People love categories. Categories feed directly into humanity's never- ending quest for oversimplification because they provide us with convenient, brainless means of analyses. But what happens when something comes along that defies categorization?

Although "punk" and "hardcore" have traditionally been viewed as separate categories, similarities between the two camps often make this division seem ambiguous. Such is the case with Santa Cruz- surfin', cruelty- free punkers, Good Riddance, and their latest offering, Ballads from the Revolution.

Good Riddance are not just another Fat Wreck band. Sure, they share a few qualities with their label- mates (the frenetic drumbeats, the musical proficiency, the sparkling production), but in light of their increasingly apparent hardcore influences, this "punk" band stands alone. "Fertile Fields," "Without Anger," and "Waste" are uncompromising testaments to this band's fondness for hardcore, an aspect always present in the band, but recently perfected. Nevertheless, the band's penchant for pop-punk peppiness remains intact. "Jeannie," "Not with Him," and "Slowly" consider the age-old adage of "Nice guys finish last" with a sincerity absent since the heyday of the Descendents. Fittingly, "Not with Him" gives homage to these aforementioned legends: "And I wonder what he says listening to 'Clean Sheets'/ That used to be our song."

The most impressive accomplishment of this album is the band's ability to switch gears so drastically while retaining the power and drive that is the heart of their sound. Bouncing between lyrics such as "Forward towards a pointless end, we squander/ Never gain" and "Will she give him a good night kiss?" is no easy task, and the fact that it's done compellingly is a great credit to vocalist, Russ Rankin. Russ's inspirational words go beyond his thought- provoking lyrics; he also includes a brief manifesto offering a seasoned perspective on what it means to be involved with the punk/ hardcore scene at the age of 29.

Surprisingly, the only serious flaw with the album is the band's rendition of the Kiss classic, "I Stole Your Love." Imagine my disappointment when, with all the great expectations in the world that a Kiss song would finally be justly interpreted, I heard the opening guitar riff and it was wrong! Nonetheless, the concept is golden.

All in all, Ballads from the Revolution is a goosebump- flaring, spine- shivering gem. It is undoubtedly the band's best offering to date, and a wonderful frustration to those who insist on homogenized scenes.

-Kevin Ruggeri