Tony Sly writes concise lyrics and simple singsong melodies. He always has. But there's real skill in that simplicity, because No Use for a Name's vitality never seems to flag.
Keep Them Confused is the band's fifth studio record for Fat Wreck, and first since 2002's Hard Rock Bottom. They're still riding the energetic double-stamp rhythm of California skatepunk.
But Sly and NUFAN have mellowed slightly with age, and Confused reflects that with nods to balladry, soul mates, and some promising songwriting depth. And what's wrong with that? You can't be a couch boy forever.