Anyone who’s remotely interested in melodic punk rock and has had even a casual acquaintance of the Leeds/Wakefield scene will have surely heard of Milloy, and their reputation certainly extends a long way ahead of them. More Than A Machine heralds a new era in their development as a band, and, to be frank, it’s stunning. They’ve truly earned their chance to support the likes of Against Me! and to try and make a real name for themselves.
For a start, it’s a crime that this record hasn’t been sprayed with the reviewing lovejuice of someone here at Punktastic already. More Than A Machine is singularly the most uplifting and brilliant punk release I’ve heard for a very long time. Obligatory gruff northern vocals? Check. A complete lack of pretentious bullshit? Check. A shedload of singalong songs packed with technical excellence in every department? Double fucking check.
Tracks like ‘Dibs’ remind you of just why you still believe in punk and in the ability of British bands to continue to not only master a genre, but continue innovating it to the point where you’re happy to just let the record sit on loop and marvel at just exactly what you’re hearing. ‘Deuce’ brings in some welcome guitar-driven diversity, but at just over 2 minutes quickly makes way for ‘Eveready’ to bring in the anthemic chant of: “Take me, blow my world away. Save your final kick for me, before you casually toss me aside. I don’t need this.” It doesn’t get any better, you think, but then you’re subjected to another multitude of songs which are, quite simply, fantastic.
Capping it all off is ‘Less Said’. To give a perspective on how good this song actually is requires you to understand that it’s head and shoulders above the rest of the songs here, on a record which is itself light years ahead of 99 per cent of other albums you will ever hear. It epitomises exactly what melodic punk rock should aim for in 2006 and in the future, and that is probably the highest compliment I can give it.
I can’t find fault with this at all, and as such, I’m left with no option but to give this album the only top mark I’ve ever awarded thus far in my time at Punktastic. And not just because vocalist Jim scares the living shit out of me, either. If you do not buy this album I will personally hunt you down. Sheer, unadulterated brilliance in every way imaginable.
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