At the height of the early 00s’ nu metal boom, Alien Ant Farm’s tongue-in-cheek cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ propelled the California veterans to commercial success. Twenty-three years later, the band returns with their first album in nine years. While the nu metal revival provides a convenient backdrop for this reunion, Alien Ant Farm’s sound has always been more nuanced than that label implies.
Their eclectic blend of reggae, pop punk, alt rock, and even jazz, courtesy of drummer Michael Cosgrove, is evident on their latest album. Opener ‘Start Over’ sets the tone with sun-dappled guitar and drums. Nostalgia plays a significant role, with Dryden Mitchell’s distinctive vocals instantly evoking teenage memories. ‘Get to Me’ echoes the band’s superior ‘other’ hit, ‘Movies,’ while ‘Attitude’ and ‘High Horse’ blend elements of Incubus and earworm choruses.
However, the album’s strength lies in its embrace of their comfort zone. When they attempt to venture outside it, as on the closing title track, the result is a messy tangle of percussion, layered vocals, and rapping that sounds like two songs playing simultaneously. Despite this misstep, the album overall remains an enjoyable comeback, showcasing Alien Ant Farm’s enduring musicality and their ability to tap into the nostalgia that fuels their fan base.
