Detroit is known for more than Motown and shitty cars. The Suicide Machines have been representing the Motor City for a decade with high velocity punk that is more than just aggressive and simplistic.
Steal This Record picks up where Suicide Machines last left off. There is no doubt that they are the best punk band today. They stay true to the history of the likes of Black Flag yet keep the catchy roots of The Clash and Sex Pistols alive. “The Killing Blow” is classic punk-pop while “Steal This Record” is a massacre. They can destroy as easily as they can keep you tuned in to the ear candy. “Honor Among Thieves” reminds me a lot of Rancid, but Rancid grew up on the same things as these guys, so it’s not like they are ripping them off. Get over it.
The cover of REM’s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It” is crazy. I didn’t think anyone could do it faster than the original, but they succeed here. Not only that, but I don’t know how singer Jason Navarro figured out and was able to sing all the words. “Bleeding Heart” may sound pink, but a bleeding heart doesn’t have to be a weak one. “Stay” and “Leap Of Faith” may be lame ass love songs or give real life sentiment and heartbreak, but really, what is more punk than just saying how you really feel?
Admittedly, “Stand Up” is odd. It has a Caribbean sound, yet if you listen closely you’ll hear the same punk that you get on the absolutely diesel “Off The Cuff”. “Off The Cuff” finds me reminiscing about the days of Black Flag and Mission To Burma and the insane punk movement of the early ’80’s. “Scars” is almost too prototypical punk, even though they pull it off without a hitch.
The Suicide Machines are all potent. They may be typical, they may be a little too mainstream for your tastes, but so were a lot of the punk groups you think were so hard-edged. The Suicide Machines make songs that are “Unbreakable”.
+ rae gun
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