Old Punk for the new “Suicide” Generation
The debut from United Kingdom punk crew Suicide Generation, 1st Suicide, didn’t get the credit it deserved among punk fans. It was a classic feeling garage punk album that channeled the nostalgia of previous generations while feeling new and original. Now for their second album Last Suicide, Generation sticks to the qualities that made 1st Suicide fun, all while producing some good, quick fun.
This record is the group’s second off of Dirty Water Records. It has a killer opener in “Hypnotise Me” that really solidifies their low production, garage sound. It feels raw but makes the track more enjoyable and unique because of it. It’s fast-paced and almost awkward at times like the guitar isn’t necessarily on pace. All of these things considered though, it somehow compliments the track, emphasizing the chaotic atmosphere of Suicide Generation. The same goes for the next track “Trapped In This Place.”
“Rotten Mind” is a treat for its fun guitar riff in the beginning. The lead singer Sebastian Melmoth’s vocals are intertwined between the main riff and some improvisation guitar solos weaved into the track. “You Gonna Burn” is the longest track on the album clocking in at over three minutes. Not a lot, for sure, but compared to the 11 track album that lasts 23 minutes in total, it is noticeable. This track isn’t all different from the rest even though it is longer. The length compliments its guitar work the most, as the screeching riff and constant solo work, which includes some nice slide guitar, make the track easy to digest.
“Talk Trash” has almost a rockabilly vibe to it–like the Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town,” but only if the Stray Cats recorded in their basement while getting hammered, most likely. “You Must Be A Witch” has a different tone than the prior track, more like a surf rock feel at first. This is again a longer track like “You Gonna Burn,” but this one, as it is the second to last track on the album, does tire a bit as it goes on. The album closes with “Suicide” which does its job respectfully. It speeds up and up during the last parts, bringing the album to a climax of sorts as Melmoth’s distorted vocals howl throughout.
Last Suicide is more of the Suicide Generation archetype established in 1st Suicide. Its rawness is in your face and without remorse. Maybe Last Suicide is, in a way, the last of a series of albums with this feeling, because although this album works, another one with the same ideas would just tire for their discography.
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