Dag Nasty. The seminal hardcore punk band. The band that arguably ‘created’ emo with their ‘86 classic ‘Can I say’. The band that was subsequently responsible for the ‘Can I Say’ tattoo on Blink drummer Travis’ chest. And a band who’s members went on to form or join equally legendary punk bands Down By Law *and *Bad Religion.

I guess it seemed a good idea then, to reform such an influential band and record a new album. And given the current resurgence in ‘emo-rock’ what better time to educate the kids on a band so instrumental in shaping the current melodic punk landscape? Well?

Well, yes and no. Y’see, a lot’s happened since their 1992 swan song ‘Four On The Floor’. The original creative spark that resulted in the recently re-issued _‘Can I Say’ _and _‘Wig Out At Denkos’ _albums (Dischord)has, rather predictably, been diluted with Bad Religion and Down By Law-isms. And if, like me, you discovered DBL before Dag Nasty then it’s hard not to think of this as Down By Law with different musicians accompanying Dave Smalley (which isn’t difficult considering how many line-up changes DBL had).

Listen to the disc though, and essentially ‘Minority of One’ _is a heartfelt album that continues on the essence of Dag Nasty, Dave Smalley’s distinctive croons racing through title track _‘Minority of One’ _while the up-beat backline reminds you of that whole late 80s / early 90s melodic punk style. Incidentally it also sounds a heck of a lot like early DBL of course, but songs like _‘Your Words’ _and ‘Incinerator’ _still retain that hard-edged Nasty approach.

I guess this is really for DN fans, those new to the band being better off hunting out the aforementioned Dischord re-issues. As for those yearning for Down By Law to return to their intricate punk rock style of ‘All Scratched Up’ _and _‘…Sharpshooters’, well this is probably the next best thing.