Punk, Politics and Platitudes From NOFX

Musically, there isn’t much that distinguishes L.A.’s NOFX from countless other neo-punk outfits. The group adeptly carves out zippy punk-pop ditties as well as more muscular numbers that appeal to the hard-core contingent. Its musicianship has improved since it formed in the mid-’80s, and despite singer-bassist Fat Mike’s unremarkable voice, NOFX easily holds its own alongside such contemporaries as Green Day, the Offspring and Rancid.

What really distinguishes NOFX is an idiosyncratic, often grating sense of humor that’s equal parts smart-alecky wit and potty jokes. On stage Sunday at the Palace, where NOFX sold out two consecutive nights, it was impossible to escape the barrage of adolescent platitudes about sex, drugs and politics. The show was rife with scatological banter, sarcastic jibes and, fortunately, some fierce playing.

The quartet tackled everything from the ironic but hummable “Please Play This Song on the Radio” to more turbulent outbursts such as “Don’t Call Me White” with snotty confidence, inspiring a vigorous mosh pit that affectionately showered the musicians with shoes (apparently a running joke) and other debris.

NOFX put on an impressive display of what punk rock has become; it’s a shame there wasn’t more of a point to it than gags about flatulence and footwear.