One of the landmark albums that helped to start the California punk revival of the 90s. If you told 14 year old me that I'd be writing a review of this record at some point far in the future I'd probably have spit on you. Originally released in 1989 on Lookout! Records, Energy was one of the first albums to successfully mix hardcore punk with a healthy dose of ska. Operation Ivy basically set the blueprint for every band that was to follow in their footsteps. It's all there, from the opening of "Knowledge" all the way to the end of "Missionary." The sound definitely leans more towards the hardcore side, but the heavy skank on "Soundsystem" and "Take Warning" set Op Ivy apart from the traditional punk sound. Energy has gone on to have a huge influence on contemporary punk rock despite Op Ivy breaking up 2 months after the album's release. Lint (Tim Armstrong) and Matt Freeman (credited as Matt McCall) would go on to form Rancid and the rest is punk rock history. A definite must for any fan of the West Coast punk sound. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• printed insert
• music label: Epitaph 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 07/2012