Good Riddance

Good Riddance is the sound of intellectual fury set to a 200 BPM heartbeat. They occupy that perfect, narrow bridge between the raw aggression of 80s hardcore and the polished, hook-heavy accessibility of the 90s California skate punk scene. It is music that feels physically demanding, defined by Sean Sellers' relentless drumming and Luke Pabich's surgical guitar work, which manages to be both heavy and shimmering.

What truly sets them apart is the vocal presence of Russ Rankin. Unlike many of their pop-punk contemporaries, Rankin’s voice carries a genuine, weathered grit that lends weight to his lyrics. He isn't just singing about teenage angst; he is delivering articulate critiques of American foreign policy, consumerism, and the internal struggle to remain ethical in a broken system. The vocal harmonies are present but never sugary, serving to emphasize the urgency rather than soften the blow.

For the uninitiated, start with 'A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion' or 'For God and Country.' These albums represent the gold standard of the Fat Wreck Chords era, offering a masterclass in how to be melodic without sacrificing an ounce of hardcore integrity. It is the ideal soundtrack for when you need to feel capable, angry, and awake all at once.