What makes Viking by Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards notable?

The album was well-received within the punk community, showcasing Frederiksen's distinctive voice and songwriting style. It contributed to the revitalization of street punk during the early 2000s and has been noted for its authentic representation of punk culture. 'Viking' also served as a critical touchstone for fans exploring themes of identity and rebellion. Released in 2004, 'Viking' is the second album by Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, following their self-titled debut from 2001. At this point in his career, Frederiksen had already established himself as a prominent figure in the punk scene, particularly as a member of Rancid and through his previous work. This album captures his continued commitment to the street punk genre while expanding on personal themes and narratives.

How many songs are on Viking?

Viking has 16 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Viking

Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards · 2004

38 min · 16 tracks · street punk

Frenetic street punk energy collides with raw, unfiltered storytelling and a relentless DIY ethos.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Skins, Punx and Drunx — This track embodies the raw, energetic spirit of street punk while addressing the camaraderie and lifestyle shared among punks. Its brevity amplifies the urgency of its message.
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Mainlining Murder — A standout track that confronts darker themes with stark imagery, showcasing Frederiksen's ability to blend gritty storytelling with an infectious melody.
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The Viking — The title track serves as a powerful anthem reflecting themes of heritage and personal struggle, encapsulating the essence of the album's narrative journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of street punk with its energetic delivery and raw storytelling, appealing primarily to its genre's audience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high-energy tone, maintaining this intensity through the first half before introducing slower tempos in the latter tracks.
Many songs feature aggressive guitar riffs and driving drum patterns, often accompanied by shouted vocals that emphasize the rawness of the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate gang vocals, creating a communal feel that is characteristic of punk music, particularly in the choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Bastards 1:41
2 Skins, Punx and Drunx 1:04
3 Fight 0:56
4 1% 2:46
5 Switchblade 3:38
6 Marie Marie 1:55
7 Little Rude Girl 1:17
8 Maggots 2:00
9 Mainlining Murder 3:30
10 For You 3:11
11 My Life to Live 4:27
12 The Kids Are Quiet on Sharmon Palms 2:46
13 Blind Ambition 0:20
14 Gods of War 0:55
15 Streetwise Professor 3:10
16 The Viking 5:05

What to play next

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Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards

2001

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