Fifteen years after their last album, when I was a sophomore in college, the Suicide Machines have come roaring back. After a breakup, new bands getting started, a reunion with a new guitarist, and a lot of touring, Jay Navarro and company have come back with sixteen tracks in thirty-two minutes. Sounds like a typical Machines record, doesn’t it? Kicking off with the melodic “Bully In Blue,” the band comes blasting out of the speakers offering some good old punk with political themes to kick the youngsters in the teeth a bit.

The great “Awkward Always” sounds like the great melodic Machines of the past with some great vocals and really breezy, bouncy guitar work. Getting right to the heart of their surroundings, “Flint Hostage Crisis” and “Detroit Is The New Miami” are two of the strongest tracks, full of piss and vengeance; they’re enough to wake you up and get you thinking about the world outside of your window.

“Empty Time” is one of the longer tracks here but it works so well as it allows the entire band to shine. Navarro gets a chance to stretch himself vocally on “Eternal Contrarian,” which showcases why I still feel he’s one of the most underrated punk vocalists of my lifetime. “Black Tar Halo” is another quick punk blast that really shakes the average listener out of their regular world and into a heavier world they may not be prepared for.

“Simple” is a great song about not taking life for granted, and in this time of being quarantined and isolated, it’s a great track to hear. Remember: everything will be fine! For the epic finale, “Cheers To Ya,” the band brings back the horns and gives the listener a grand send-off of power and excellence.

I hope there’s a new generation of fans who are just discovering this band. This disc is a great primer for newbies and to reinforce what longtime fans have known for a long-ass time: the Machines are one of the best ‘90s punk bands to ever do this.

Rating: B+

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments