In Rotation: The Suicide Machines - Revolution Spring

The Suicide Machines' first album in 15 years brings the combination of skate punk, hardcore and ska that fans have come to love. I first saw the Suicide Machines play at Riot Fest 2011. It was one of those all-day bangers at the Congress Theater (RIP). The bill featured Descendents, Leftover Crack, Strike Anywhere and about 12 bands in total playing back-to-back on that one stage. This was when I really started listening to Suicide Machines on a regular basis. Sure, I knew them from Tony Hawk, but seeing them live and being able to see them live many times during the last nine years has kept the band in heavy rotation for me. That being said, this is the first time I really remember Suicide Machines putting out a new record. 2005 was a different time in many ways.

This is 2020 and here we are at home for the forseeable future, trying to stay healthy. And what should pop up in my inbox but a brand new Suicide Machines record. Revolution Spring has been the soundtrack of my quarantine workouts, which have been frequent, because what else is there to do? "Flint Hostage Crisis" is the number one standout. It is a scathing takedown of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan (the band's home state) and it is a ska/hardcore ripper. The shouted "Third World America" in the chorus asks, how could this happen here? The growing divide between classes in this country continues to manifest itself. "Detroit is the New Miami" is another full throttle banger. Closer "Cheers to Ya" effectively brings in the horn section. "Bully in Blue" and "Black Tar Halo" are quick catchy jams that will be particularly fun to see live.

Revolution Spring is officially out tomorrow, although you can stream the whole record now over at Billboard. This is the band's first album on Fat Wreck Chords, where they are a natural fit. It looks like the colored vinyl is gone but you can get a standard vinyl copy at Fat Wreck's site. Hopefully society will be back to normal relatively soon and we can see some of these songs played live.