Aged punk sound gets a makeover

Punk rock heroes really do age gracefully. More than 25 years after their establishment as one of the leaders of the British Punk revolution, the Buzzcocks are still making music that lives up to their legend. We should be grateful these guys didn't put down their instruments for good when the band split up in 1981. Fortunately, over the past 10 years, bassist Tony Barber and drummer Philip Barker were able to keep the punk rock spirit alive with original members Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle. The latest eponymously titled release is a nice departure from the everyday pop-punk album. They incorporate an updated rock sound to their signature drum-smashing punk vibe of the past. The songwriting styles of Shelley and Diggle balance each other out; Shelley's songs have a slightly less melodic feel than Diggle's, but this serves to create a very well-rounded record. Though the songs never slow to more than a quick jog, Shelley's "Jerk" came from a drastically different place than Diggle's "Sick City Sometimes." But whether it is Shelley or Diggle doing the songwriting, be assured that from beginning to end, this album makes listeners want to jump around the room and nod their head.