Those who thought desert rock’s days of milk and honey were gone are in for a treat. While colleagues (and former bandmates) such as Queens of the Stone Age and Fu Manchu falter as they lose their early sound, Brant Bjork is keeping the flame alive with Punk Rock Guilt. His ninth effort in as many years, Punk Rock Guilt steps away from Bjork’s oddball forays and back towards the boozy swagger and thrust of his previous bands. The album’s name is misleading —the attitude with which Bjork blasts out “Dr. Special,” “Shocked By the Static” and “Born to Rock” proves that there’s still someone with a penchant for the psychedelic side of life groovin’ away with a clear conscience.

Even though this eight-song effort was actually recorded some three years ago — only now seeing the light of day after some record label wheeling and dealing — it still sounds as fresh and vital as it does timeless. Smooth and confident while still ballsy and gritty, Punk Rock Guilt is no guilty pleasure.