by Mark Morgenstein

As far as punk bands with a ska edge go, Goldfinger writes and performs punchy, three-minute slices of adrenaline as well as anyone, with the notable exception of Rancid. Of course, the whole genre is haunted by the specter of the late, great Clash, who did it better than anyone else. On Stomping Ground, Goldfinger shows a little more versatility. The beginning of "The End of the Day" almost has a Kinks' feel to it. "Bro" is Soundgarden-heavy. Goldfinger still hasn't matched their breakthrough "Here in My Bedroom" from their 1996 debut, but "I'm Down," "San Simeon," "You Think It's a Joke," and a cover of Nena's "99 Red Balloons" (interesting choice) highlight a fine album that's the logical next step for a still-maturing band, an adjective that doesn't often apply to a band in this genre.