The Longest Line
The Longest Line is a five-track extended play (EP) by the American punk rock band NOFX, released on May 1, 1992, as the inaugural record from Fat Wreck Chords, the independent label co-founded by band member Fat Mike.[1][2] Recorded at West Beach Studios with engineer Donnell Cameron, the EP introduced guitarist El Hefe to the lineup, marking his debut recording with the group alongside vocalist/bassist Fat Mike, drummer Erik Sandin, and rhythm guitarist Eric Melvin.[3][4] The EP's tracklist comprises "The Death of John Smith," "The Longest Line," "Stranded," "Remnants," and "Kill All the White Man," blending aggressive skate punk energy with melodic elements characteristic of NOFX's evolving sound in the early 1990s.[2][4] Issued initially as a 12-inch vinyl at 45 RPM and later in other formats, it showcased the band's raw production style and satirical lyrics, including the anti-colonial themed "Kill All the White Man."[4][1] Critically regarded as a pivotal release in NOFX's discography, The Longest Line highlighted the band's transition toward a more refined punk aesthetic while solidifying Fat Wreck Chords' role in the punk scene, though it remains somewhat overshadowed by the group's later full-length albums.[5][6]Background
NOFX's Formative Years and Early Releases
NOFX was formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, California, by vocalist and bassist Mike Burkett (known as Fat Mike) and guitarist Eric Melvin, drawing from the local hardcore punk scene.[7] Drummer Erik Sandin (Smelly), who knew Burkett from skateboarding circles, joined shortly thereafter, solidifying the band's foundational lineup that emphasized raw energy and self-reliance.[8] This core trio navigated initial lineup flux with temporary members but prioritized a DIY approach, booking their own shows and avoiding corporate structures to maintain creative control.[9] The band's early output reflected evolving punk influences, starting with the self-titled debut EP released in 1985 on the independent Mystic Records label.[10] Subsequent releases, including the 1988 album Liberal Animation produced by Bad Religion's Brett Gurewitz, showcased a shift toward faster tempos and melodic elements inspired by acts like Bad Religion, D.I., and Rich Kids on LSD.[11] By the 1991 album Ribbed, also on Epitaph Records, NOFX had refined this sound into a signature blend of aggressive riffs, vocal harmonies, and irreverent lyrics, marking their first widely embraced recording while steadfastly rejecting major label overtures.[11] This independence underscored their punk ethos, prioritizing artistic autonomy over commercial viability and fostering a grassroots fanbase through cassette trading and small-venue tours.[9] In 1991, guitarist and trumpeter Aaron Abeyta (El Hefe) joined the band, replacing prior guitarists and introducing versatile instrumentation that expanded their sonic palette for subsequent projects like The Longest Line EP.[12] El Hefe's dual role on lead guitar and trumpet added rhythmic complexity and ska-inflected flair, aligning with NOFX's commitment to punk's experimental roots without diluting its speed and attitude.[13] These formative developments positioned the band as a resilient independent force, setting the groundwork for their breakthrough while embodying punk's anti-establishment principles through persistent self-management and label aversion.[9]Founding of Fat Wreck Chords
Michael John Burkett, known as Fat Mike, co-founded Fat Wreck Chords in 1991 with his then-girlfriend Erin Kelly-Burkett to create an independent outlet for punk rock releases, driven by prior experiences of self-releasing NOFX's early singles due to the scarcity of labels willing to distribute punk music.[14][15] This initiative stemmed from a commitment to punk's DIY ethos, prioritizing artist autonomy over reliance on major label structures, which were perceived as exploitative even if not yet dominant in the punk scene.[14][16] The label began as a bootstrapped, self-managed operation without external investment, embodying low-budget production and direct control to avoid the contractual pitfalls common in the music industry.[16] Fat Wreck Chords emphasized one-record deals that allowed bands to retain ownership of their masters and avoid long-term recoupment burdens, contrasting with more restrictive arrangements elsewhere. To validate this model, NOFX's The Longest Line EP was selected as the inaugural release in May 1992, pressed initially on 12-inch vinyl as a test of the label's sustainable, artist-centric approach within the punk community.[17][4]
Production
Recording Sessions
The The Longest Line EP was recorded in January 1992 at Westbeach Recorders in Hollywood, California.[18][19] The sessions were produced by Donnell Cameron alongside the band members, emphasizing a direct, high-energy approach suited to punk rock's ethos of immediacy and minimal overdubs.[20][3] These brief recording efforts prioritized capturing the band's live performance feel, resulting in the EP's total runtime of approximately 13 minutes across five tracks.[21] The unrefined production highlighted NOFX's evolving sound, incorporating trumpet contributions from new guitarist El Hefe on tracks like "Kill All the White Man," which introduced brass elements signaling a shift toward ska-influenced punk while retaining hardcore velocity.[1][22] This marked El Hefe's debut recording with the group, adding rhythmic and melodic layers without compromising the raw, aggressive tone.[1]Personnel
The core recording personnel for The Longest Line consisted of NOFX's lineup at the time: Michael Burkett (Fat Mike) performing bass and lead vocals, Eric Melvin on guitar and backing vocals, "El Hefe" NA (guitar, trumpet, and vocals on tracks such as "Kill All the White Man" and "The Death of John Smith"), and Erik Sandin (Smelly) on drums and cymbals.[4] Backing vocals were contributed by Joey Cape of Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Lagwagon, as well as Mark Curry in select instances, with no further session musicians credited, aligning with NOFX's emphasis on self-contained production typical of mid-1990s punk releases.[23] The EP's production was handled by Donnell Cameron, who recorded and mixed the tracks, focusing on the band's raw, high-energy sound without external overdubs or embellishments.[3] Cover artwork was designed by Van Sites, incorporating punk-inspired visuals that complemented NOFX's irreverent aesthetic, with additional layout construction by John Yates of American Steel.[4]Cover Art and Packaging
The cover art for The Longest Line was designed by Dan Sites, a frequent collaborator with Fat Wreck Chords known for his cartoonish and irreverent style emblematic of punk aesthetics.[24] Released in 1992 as the inaugural Fat Wreck Chords offering, the artwork eschewed high-production gloss in favor of raw, hand-drawn elements that aligned with the label's commitment to independent, anti-commercial presentation.[25] This approach reflected broader punk traditions of prioritizing authenticity and subcultural identity over mainstream marketability. The EP was issued as a 12-inch vinyl record pressed at 45 RPM, with the initial run including 200 copies on dark blue vinyl to enhance collectibility among dedicated fans.[25] Packaging consisted of a standard single-pocket sleeve accompanied by an insert, likely containing lyrics and credits, which facilitated direct engagement with the content without extravagant frills.[26] This format underscored Fat Wreck Chords' DIY ethos, employing cost-effective printing methods that emphasized musical substance and community accessibility rather than elaborate design or mass-appeal packaging.[24]Musical Content
Track Listing
"The Longest Line" was issued as a 12-inch vinyl EP at 45 RPM by Fat Wreck Chords in 1992, with tracks divided across two sides.[25] The original pressing included approximately 200 copies on dark-blue vinyl, alongside grey and black variants. Subsequent reissues, such as the 2007 and 2022 editions, and digital formats preserve the core five-track sequence without additions or alterations to the lineup.[1] [2]| Side | No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | "The Death of John Smith" | 3:51 | El Hefe |
| A | 2 | "The Longest Line" | 2:04 | Fat Mike |
| B | 1 | "Stranded" | 2:09 | Fat Mike |
| B | 2 | "Remnants" | 2:58 | Fat Mike |
| B | 3 | "Kill All the White Man" | 2:48 | El Hefe |