Friday 26 August 2016

MILLENCOLIN - 'True Brew' review



MILLENCOLIN - 'True Brew' review


So yeah, MILLENCOLIN are another of my fave 'growing-up' bands that have come back with another album recently, and those that, like myself, have missed the sound of their stellar, earlier, faster efforts, will be pleased to know that this is great stuff, and a welcome return to form. There's a perpetual urgency and energy throughout 'True Brew's 13 songs (that come in at just under 35 mins) of melodic punk / skate-punk that's been largely missing since the masterpiece that was 'Pennybridge Pioneers', and it consequently sounds surprisingly fresh, as though they've dug up a fresh dose of passion: something that is always impressive for a band on their eighth full length (ninth including 'The Melancholy Collection'), having been going for 24 years now with the same lineup. It's another lyrically interesting one too, touching on racism, relationship dynamics, and discovering what's important in life, and is vocally brilliant in both tone and melody, with some of the best verses and choruses that I've heard from Nikola for a while. I think most impressive for me on here is the consistency; albums like 'Machine 15' and 'Kingwood' had their moments, but were a little hit or miss, whereas this is fantastic from start to finish, from the super-catchy 'Chameleon' and 'Bring Me Home', through angrier tunes like 'Sense and Sensibility', and to vulnerable and emotion-driven songs like 'Wall of Doubt' and the brilliant 'Something I Would Die For'. Super pleased with these guys for this release that bears the maturity of later albums and injects the fun, energy, and passion of 'Life on a Plate', 'For Monkeys' and 'Pennybridge...'; and for those that that means nothing to, get this if you're into FACE TO FACE, NO FUN AT ALL, SATANIC SURFERS, or THE OFFSPRING.


xox

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