Against the Grain

Against the Grain, released in 1990, captures Bad Religion's melodic hardcore approach with short, fast songs, tight guitar work and layered vocal harmonies supporting literate, socially aware lyrics. The album emphasizes concise songcraft and high-energy tempos common to punk and hardcore punk while retaining a melodic sensibility that connects their late 1980s material with their early 1990s output. Its focused, direct sound and impassioned delivery are characteristic of the band's influential period in underground punk rock.