If any word could describe the music scene of the early 1990s, “grunge” was it. Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam dominated radio stations and MTV, and punk rock was just another formerly popular subgenre. But punk wasn’t dead, the scene had just moved further underground, and from the caverns emerged Bay Area band Rancid to revive punk in the minds of the masses.

And they succeeded. With songs like “Salvation” and “Ruby Soho,” Rancid reminded a new generation of music fans that punk rock was still vibrant, even if it had lost some of its rebellious sheen.

It has been almost 20 years since Rancid first hit the hardcore scene and five years since the band released its last studio album, Indestructible. Though an album of rare tracks turned up earlier this year, fans are yearning to see what the band members have been working on.

With a tour that stretches on into the autumn months, Rancid is clearly returning to reclaim the mainstream punk throne that has been torn apart by pop punk retreads. Maybe they’ll even play some new tunes.

Rancid plays the House of Blues July 3 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.

By Caitlin McGarry

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