Unfortunately for singer Chad Price, "Mass Nerder" seems more like a rushed follow-up to the Descendents 1996 reunion disc, "Everything Sucks," than a new All album. With 16 patched-together tunes, the distinctive identities that once separated the two California bands (which share members led by different frontmen) have fused into All's plain, punk-rock riffs. The music is occasionally highlighted by Stephen Egerton's brilliantly quirky guitar solos.
There are hooks, as in "Vida Blue" or "Think the World," but too often it sounds like songwriter/drummer Bill Stevenson's well has run dry. New fans may be impressed, but dedicated All/Descendents fans may feel they've heard it all before.
