STILL SUCKS
Limp Bizkit take themselves less seriously on STILL SUCKS. Fred Durst's big mouth remains, alongside the heavy riffs and inviting rhythms, but the band seem more aware of how strange that combination can become. The self-mockery makes the record lighter. It is recognisably Limp Bizkit, with more enjoyment of their own peculiarities.
Out Of Style immediately puts Wes Borland's guitar forward. His riffs have an individual rhythmic shape, supported by players who understand exactly how a groove should move. DJ Lethal's scratches fit naturally between them. Durst needs to say little that is new to restore the familiar sound. Much of the important work already happens in the backing.
Dad Vibes keeps things simple and catchy. You Bring Out The Worst In Me allows the band to move from a calmer passage into a much sharper outburst. Barnacle adds a brief turn towards grunge. Even the cover of INXS' Don't Change fits the desire to open up the familiar formula occasionally, although it does not dramatically change the album.
The humour works unevenly. Love The Hate makes the band's attitude clear, but its joke cannot hold all the attention it wants. The smoother closing track, Goodbye, also feels less necessary than the best guitar songs. Fortunately, the short running time keeps those departures from defining the whole record.
STILL SUCKS is most successful when Limp Bizkit allow their musical ability to show through the nonsense. Borland's guitar work and the strong grooves give the better songs enough character to offer more than nostalgia. Some attempts miss, but there are enough immediate, energetic moments to make this an entertaining return.
