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Stomping Ground

by Goldfinger

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Fans of Goldfinger's likable ska hit "Here in My Bedroom" have a surprise in store on Stomping Ground: there's nary a ska tune on the record. Still, the SoCal punk attitude and general vibe of this smart, high-energy band remain intact. Singer John Feldmann delivers the goods à la Green Day or Rancid through rapid-fire, slightly snotty vocal stylings atop smart and memorable punk-pop melodies. But Stomping Ground, the quartet's first full-length collection since 1997's Hang-Ups, boasts a heavier bent, thanks in part to the addition of bassist Kelly LeMieux (Feldmann's former partner in an early '90s metal-leaning outfit). "End of the Day," with its marching-style chorus and frenetic verses is moshable and memorable, while "Bro" melds Limp Bizkit with Suicidal Tendencies. The cover of Nena's "99 Red Balloons" is fun, but the band fares well on its own, especially on the winning and less-frenetic "Margaret Ann" and the pull-no-punches "Get Away." Stomping Ground may be ska-free, but Goldfinger's music still leaves the listener shaken and stirred. --Katherine Turman