These bad men have truly toughened up and tightened their sound. Whereas The Last of the Bad Men’s debut effort, Nowhere Is Safe was a formidable if not altogether unique blend of old-school punk rock influences, sophomore effort Ride! proves they are hitting their stride. A solid blast of punk rock ’n’ roll anthems, songs like “Hit ’Em Again,” “Creeper” and “Day to Ride” have an inherent brashness and enthralling confrontational atmosphere, while still escaping the trappings of overbearing testosterone-fuelled aggression that most acts of this ilk succumb to. Previously slotted among the likes of traditionalists such as the U.K.’s G.B.H., U.S. Bombs and more recently 59 Times the Pain, the band’s refined direction has a feel more akin to The Humpers, Hookers and Zeke with just a touch more melody, patience and hooks. Hearty, enthusiastic and modestly raunchy, Ride! is a divine step forward for these Vancouverites.