Bob Mould
Silver Age
(Merge Records)

For more than thirty years, Bob Mould has been earning his place in music history in bands like Hüsker Dü and Sugar. But between those projects, he’s been no stranger to material released under his own name. The New York rocker has more than ten solo records to his name, and Silver Age is a worthy addition to his already varied and brilliant catalog.

Silver Age is defined by frenzied guitars and driving beats that call to mind the urgency of 1970′s punk.  You can definitely hear the influence of his recent work with Foo Fighters here, as he hones in on blazing power chords and catchy hooks.

The first track, “Star Machine,” addresses the misconceptions that people have about the trappings of fame.  “Briefest Moment” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever had to beat a hasty retreat, while “Keep Believing” delivers optimism with an edge rather than giving in to the temptation to make positive songs sound sappy.

There isn’t a single lull of energy anywhere to be found in Silver Age. This album is ten tracks of pure, punchy, rocking frenzy and beauty. Other artists who have sought to redefine themselves in recent years ought to take a page from Mould and learn how to go back to form without sounding aged.