Reviewed by Jeremy Williams

By now the Supertones' formula is well established: bouncy riffs, big brass sections and crowd-pleasing sing-a-long melodies. Despite having only two of the six founding band members left, 'Revenge Of The OC Supertones' isn't much of a departure, or at least at first glance. "Wake Me Up On Time" sets the tone, and "Where I Find You" makes it a punchy opening, the latter appearing out of a crackle of what sound likes Japanese radio. First single "We Shall Overcome" follows, bringing a bit more menace to the uncompromising lyrics. The second half of the album steps things down a little, for a more thoughtful approach. "Shepherd Is The Lamb" is almost a reggae ballad, with a piano outro and thought provoking lyrics: "I'll consecrate a verse, to the kingdom in reverse/Where the least are the most, and the last will be the first." The usual ska problem remains, that a little goes a long way, and 'Revenge...' begins to wear a little thin towards the end. Nevertheless, this is a return to form for Orange County's finest, and a fun album.

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