It has been said punk rock is just folk music played loud. In other words, Bad Religion is closer to Old-Time Religion than you might suspect.

For more on this theory, consult BR frontman Greg Graffin's second solo album Cold as the Clay. The California punk icon returns to his heartland roots on this 11-song set, taking a break from the high-octane intensity of his day job to stroll the backwoods of Americana.

Tastefully and understatedly backed by three members of hometown heroes The Weakerthans, some old-timey bluegrass pickers and vocalist Jolie Holland, Graffin alternates traditional folk and Appalachian fare like Omie Wise and Little Sadie with like-minded originals such as the title cut and Don't Be Afraid to Run.

In both cases, thanks to his rough-hewn arrangements and earthy, Celtic-tinged vocals, Graffin ends up bearing a remarkable resemblance to an angrier Gordon Lightfoot.

Bonus points to BR bandmate and Epitaph honcho Brett Gurewitz, whose no-frills production captures the easy immediacy and warm intimacy of these homespun tunes, smoothing Graffin's transition from lord of the mosh pit to king of the backporch. Think of it as punk rock played quieter.

Track Listing:

1. Don't Be Afraid to Run
2. Omie Wise
3. Cold as the Clay
4. Little Sadie
5. Highway
6. Rebel's Goodbye
7. Talk About Suffering
8. Willie Moore
9. California Cotton Fields
10. Watchmaker's Dial
11. One More Hill