Suicide Generation channels the old generation
When looking at an album entitled 1st Suicide by a group called Suicide Generation, what can one even expect? What is your first instinct when the biography of the group on Bandcamp reads “WE’LL FUCK YOU WITH THE LONG DICK OF ROCK N ROLL?” The first instinct is to say something metal, post-hardcore or gangster rap. Punk might be the fourth guess. But punk is indeed what 1st Suicide is, and this punk is in its purest, most nostalgic state possible.
Suicide Generation is a United Kingdom crew off of Dirty Water Records. They have previously released an EP, but 1st Suicide is their premiere LP. It channels classic punk ethos with quick chord progressions and unproduced sounding vocals. Although dirty, that gritty vibe to it channels what makes people nostalgic for punk. It is a timeless Ramones sound that could bring punk fans of all ages to enjoy Suicide Generation.
One thing this album has that makes it special is some unorthodox vocals from lead singer Sebastian Melmoth. In “Suicide Generation” the main vocal track almost sounds as if it is being shouted through a megaphone. This minor addition makes an average punk song that much more memorable. “Why Can’t I Play With You” continues the trend of raspy vocals by Melmoth changing his tone to something gnarlier, almost Cookie Monster-esque. The growl of his voice snarls and shrieks all over the verses leading to the chorus.
“London Blues” is exactly as it is advertised. It is a change of pace from the casual punk to a southern American blues sound that still fits with the punk style vocals of Melmoth. The guitar solo in this track from guitarist Vince Suicide is everything beautiful about this Stevie Ray Vaughan style of blues showcased here.
The album is short but it doesn’t overstay its welcome, a problem that a lot of modern punk albums have. It is quick and to the point, as punk should be. If it kept going past its 16 minutes, 9 songs quota it could have grown stale, so this Joyce Manor level pacing makes 1st Suicide a satisfying spin. For punk fans, this album is a quick listen that will keep Suicide Generation on their agenda, especially for their future which seems bright.
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