Murphy’s Law

Dedicated (Another Planet)
by Ric Trement

There are some things in the world that you can rely on. And one of those things is New York’s own Murphy’s Law. These guys haven’t changed much at all over the years, and for this, I thank them. They’re still good at what they do best, playing fast, tight, concise punk songs splashed with humor. Their legendary sound is once again ever-present on their new release Dedicated. The title of the album serves as both a dedication to the fans and lovers of hardcore, and as a remembrance of former bassist Chuck Valle who was viciously murdered in 1994. From the opening punk riff of “Don’t Bother Me,” I breathed a sigh of relief saying, “Aaaaahhh. Murphy’s Law.” But I must say, I was a little disappointed that their fifth release sounds like the other four. Part of me wishes that singer/ringmaster Jimmy G would grow up just a little bit and maybe write about something deep, as his lyrics still sound like the diary of a disgruntled teenager with a bad attitude. But then if Jimmy changed, then I guess Murphy’s Law wouldn’t be the same, and they really wouldn’t be dedicated. They still throw in the ska with “Still Smokin’,” and a pot song, “Greenbud.” The fact is that you have to accept these guys for what they are and what they’re all about. Fun. Old habits die hard.