California punkers Wax’s second album, released a long three years after their debut, is one of the most dynamic and explosive punk records of the mid ‘90s.

The main single, “California” is best remembered for its video, a slow-motion shot of a man running down the street on fire. Directed by Spike Jonze, the video was all over MTV and snagged the band some major radio play. A quick little blip of a song about why someone has moved to the state, it still packs a hell of a punch even all these years later. “Who Is Next,” featured in a Nike commercial with Andre Agassi, is another blast of pure punk rock with dynamic music courtesy of drummer Loomis, bassist Dave Georgeff and guitarist Soda, who fire on all cylinders the whole disc.

Frontman Joe Sib, one of the best voices of ‘90s punk, steers the band towards pure adrenaline all the way through. “In Spite of Me,” complete with horn section, is the best example. His voice is clean, simple and full of real spite. Through tracks like “Stop Sign” and the acoustic oddity “Jiffy Boy,” the band proved they really were one of the best punk bands of the ‘90s.

Closing out the record, drummer Loomis takes the lead on the oddball solo cut “Knot,” a song about a tree limb. Odd as he was, Loomis makes the song his own and winds up with a catchy, strange little ditty.

Great as the album is, one fault stands out: the record is only twenty-one minutes long. Ten songs, most under three minutes and three tracks designated as silence to live up to the album’s title. The album could’ve been filled out with at least a dozen more songs of the same length and the album could’ve been more amazing.

Unfortunately, Wax didn’t last beyond 1996; kicking Joe Sib out of the band after their appearance in “Bio-Dome,” the remaining three continued on for a time before throwing in the towel for good. After reuniting in 2009, the band plays shows from time to time and their legacy has been restored as more people realize how truly great they were.

Rating: A-

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