Review Summary: An early take on hardcore, melodic 90's European pop punk with accessible clean singing vocals.
No Fun At All, who? Sweden's 90's take on California inspired pop punk influenced and mixed with the English new wave scene. Lyrically a little more serious, less on the cheeky humor and lighter side of the genre.
This 5 man group stands outs with their fast paced melodic crunchy guitars, enjoyable solo's satisfy and are plentiful. Gang shouts and well placed backup vocals add depth on aggressive skate punk circle pit style tunes and contribute to a robust sound. The band had a good run during their first tenure, a modest 200,000+ albums sold around the globe in their 8 year initial go around. Wanting to hang it up; "..each thing has it’s time, and we feel that we want to quit while we personally still believe we are a great band." Since the hiatus there have been occasional reunion live performances over the years. And in 2008 No Fun At All released another full length titled 'Low Rider'.
Master Celebrations is a 2002 release with tracks selected by fans who voted for which songs that should be put on this greatest hits album. As such the filler is weeded out for people wanting to give NFAA a place in their library. Aggressive and harder tracks dominate the 24 song compilation, with a smaller handful of the softer side represented as well. With only 3 songs from one of two original lead singers who shared the role can be found on this collection. From the dominate lead man the vocals do not stray to far from his preferred safe singing range, honed in and steady through out. Slick melody pop hooks grasp the listener and make the record memorable and not as easily disposable.
Vocals may have hindered why the name of the band is unknown to many and has gone on for years without substantial recognition. Arguably the clean Swedish accented intonation of the singer doesn't suit the overarching aggression and loudness created. If your looking for a place to begin, start up with the initial breakthrough single in 1993 'Vision' sung by the former front man. Palatable? Try a crowd favorites 'Master Celebrator' 'Lose Another Friend' or 'Should Have Known'. On the softer side of the scale 'Talking To Remind Me' 'Stranded' or 'Second Best' has a soothing alt rock undertone to a break up song. My couple personal picks from the speedy side 'Catch Me Running Round' and rougher 1994 simply great high intensity party cover song 'Alcohol'.
