Good Bad has a definite mixture of specific movements in rock: angular Proto-Punk, wispy classic country, ‘50s doo-wop and dirty early punk rock. If a band ever embodied the way that the early punk movement mirrored sultry clamor with gritty, rambunctious energy, it’s The Black Lips.

The most impressive aspect of Good Bad is how The Black Lips manage to bring their music down in volume and aggressiveness without losing any of its inherent vigor. Their previous albums thrived on shock value, which is what made them stand out like a crazed, ragged psychopath at a country club, but this album shows that they aren’t trying to ride that image forever. They want to evolve and venture into new territories, and on Good Bad they have done just that with losing a step.