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Few tracks stand out on the Adolescents lackluster album “O.C. Confidential,” but many fall into conventional punk-rock trappings: 3 chords of bland progression, rife with sub-par anthem lyrics.

The first two tracks are the only ones that really stand out on the album. “Hawks and Doves” features a playful, fast paced bass line wrapped around a catchy chorus. “Lockdown America” showcases a blistering anti-establishment message with a rebel attitude.

However, tracks such as “Guns of September” and the accurately named “Pointless Teenage Anthem,” seem to drone on and on without much to latch on to.

What the band truly lacks is a driving force, or punch. It shouldn’t be necessary to look at the track number on the CD player to determine if there’s a new song playing.

A little playfulness from the band wouldn’t have hurt either.

Bassist Steve Soto never really pulled away from the rest of the band, except on a few tracks, which is fine if you’re looking for consistency, but it’s never terribly interesting to hear the bass line in sync with the guitar, especially in punk songs.

Derek O’Brien serves up nothing special on the drums, save for a few splashes out of the usual, rigid routine.

None of these things are absolutely necessary in punk music, but with one stipulation: that the music at least be interesting. “O.C. Confidential” is not that interesting, or powerful, or really anything. It’s semi-interesting at first, but as the album drags on, there’s nothing really to support the listener the rest of the way.

With the volume turned down, it’s like punk-rock elevator music. Somewhat catchy and slightly annoying, but always leaving you wanting to listen to something better.

Frank Miller can be reached at [email protected]