POP MUSIC REVIEW : Distortion Proves Punks Grow Up

The anarchy-ridden philosophies that drove punk may have fallen by the wayside long ago, but the music and the attitude is still thriving. Social Distortion’s sold-out show at Bogart’s was a testament to that. About 300 people--punkers and rockers alike--jammed themselves into the Long Beach club to watch these Orange County veterans pound out both old and new tunes. The floor and the walls literally shook.

Unlike most of its surviving contemporaries, Social Distortion hasn’t drifted to the hardcore movement at the far end of the metal spectrum. Instead, it has allowed its sound to expand and mature. Much of its newer material is blues- and country-influenced. The street-wise feel brought to revved-up versions of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues” gives the impression that this quartet has done some hard living over the years--and weathered the changes well. Standout songs were “Prison Bound,” from the Restless LP released earlier this year, and a new tune, “Take Away This Ball And Chain,” an unsentimental, whiskey-besotted ballad that vocalist/guitarist Mike Ness dedicated to Hank Williams.

Older songs, such as “Another State of Mind,” proved audience favorites, and if Social Distortion’s earlier material wasn’t performed with the same ferocious anger that defined punk’s heyday, the band certainly hasn’t mellowed. No matter what musical style it chooses to attack, Social D. is always full of fire.

While Social Distortion takes itself fairly seriously, second-billed Gherkin Raucous doesn’t know the meaning of the word. This youthful quartet mixes melodic, caffeine-driven rock with endless streams of wisecracks.