Millencolin
True Brew
(Epitaph Records)
It’s been 7 long years since the mighty Millencolin last released a record. Machine 15, their last album, was solid album but didn’t quite have the punch as previous releases. With such a long gap between records I had hoped that Millencolin were taking their time ensure that their next effort would see a return to form; that they strike back with vengeance. Well, I can safely say that the wait was worth it as True Brew is easily the band’s best release since the highly popular Pennybridge Pioneers.
Save for their brief encounters with ska during their more formative years the band has primarily been a pop punk band. On Machine 15 they had tried to lean more towards pop than punk and it didn’t quite work as well as one would have hoped. However, after some fine tuning and re-calibration these fine Swedes were able to find the perfect balance of both genres once again, finally getting their groove back not unlike a woman named Stella many years ago.
Lyrically, the record is par for the course when it comes to the band. They craft catchy songs dealing with mostly emotional material. You either excel at this or you don’t, there is no middle ground. Thankfully, Millencolin fall into the former category and are able to kick out some rather melodic jams like “wall of doubt” that are built upon serious subject material but becomes the perfect sing-a-long. Granted there are a few moments peppered throughout where the lyrics don’t make complete sense but considering English is not the band’s first language I’ll let it slide. I mean, it’s not like this is something new for the band. Or maybe the lyrics make perfect sense and it’s I who is the fool?
If there is one thing negative that could be said about the album, it’s the lack of ska. Part of me longs for at least one more ska song out of these guys. I know deep in my heart that before they call it a day they’ll grant me my wish. Until then, I will continue to wait.
Should you buy this record? Yes! It’s fucking Millencolin putting out what is one of the best records of their career. Get off your ass and into a record store to pick this bad boy up. Maybe dust off the old skate deck and pull out your dickies from the back of your closet while you’re at it. (Armando Olivas)
