It's no big secret to those in the know that northern California's
the Forgotten have long looked to
Joe Strummer and
Tim Armstrong for inspiration. And while
Control Me is a fun exercise in punk revivalism, it lacks almost any hint of originality. That said, the group's love of
Rancid,
Stiff Little Fingers,
Social Distortion, and
the Clash is transparent on chant-along, sonic sh*t fits like "Social Security," "Respect & Lies," and "Rebellion." With a pick-slide here, a drum rumble there, and chugga-chugga riffs all around, vocalist Gordy, guitarist Craig, bassist Johnny, and drummer
Dkash may sound inspired on
Control Me's better moments, but don't expect them to sound inspirational.