The Buzzcocks/Down by Law

The Buzzcocks

Modern

Down by Law

Fly the Flag

(Go-Kart)

While still a pop-punk band, The Buzzcocks’ sound now includes more contemporary elements like synthesizers. For the most part, this combination works, with tracks like "Phone" sounding as if they were recorded in 1984. But a reminder that this is in fact 1999 is Pete Shelley’s singing. He can no longer hit the high notes, so guitarist Steve Diggle sings lead on a handful of songs. Diggle’s best effort has to be "Speed of Life," with its exquisite harmony and hummable refrain that stay with you for days. But for all of Modern’s catchiness, it can’t be ignored that The Buzzcocks circa 1978 were so much more memorable.

Unlike Modern, Down by Law’s Fly the Flag features almost no synthesizers. The album shows frontman Dave Smalley maturing as a songwriter from his All and Dag Nasty days, opting now for sensitivity over angst. On Fly the Flag, DBL accentuates their pop tendencies and the result is some of the band’s finest songs yet. Along with the title track, "Nothing Good on the Radio" stands out, a finger-pointing criticism of mainstream musicians. In the end, though, like DBL’s other five full-lengths, only about half of Fly the Flag deserves more than one listen. Despite some strong melodies, Dave Smalley and crew offer too much filler. Make a mix of your favorite tracks from these two discs and you’ll end up with a half-hour of eclectic, pop-punk bliss.

—John Osborn

The Buzzcocks and Down by Law perform with Lunachicks and Plan A Project on Thu., Oct. 21, 8 p.m., TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.