Punk's Prodigal Sons

Punk's Prodigal Sons

Has it finally happened? Have the controversial punk rockers of Bad Religion finally mellowed?

Probably not. However, the members of the group -- known for their dark, cynical messages -- say their approach to lyrics is different on their latest release, The New America.

"There is optimism in the album," said guitarist Brian Baker, who will perform with the rest of Bad Religion tonight at House of Blues. "You reach a point where it's hard to write negative when you're in a happy place in life. These lyrics are more about trying to share the fact that there is opportunity to change instead of simply describing the problem. We're provoking thought in a forward motion instead of illuminating the errors of the past."

Bad Religion doesn't dwell on its past either -- including substance abuse and several lineup changes. Nearly two decades after lead singer Greg Graffin guitarist Brett Gurewitz started Bad Religion in Los Angeles, only Graffin and bassist Jay Bentley remain.

And although the music has grown through the years, it has withstood the lineup alterations, and the Bad Religion sound has remained intact.

"Just like any 20-year project, one hopes you get better at it," Baker said. "If you listen to all of the records in succession, the quality of songwriting, recording and the work we do as musicians is better. With a lot of practice, you just get better. It still sounds like Bad Religion, but we're constantly re-examining what we're doing and trying to improve it."

"We're definitely more lyrically sophisticated at 35 years old than at 16