Millencolin – Machine 15 – Review

millencolin200Millencolin

Machine 15 (Epitaph)
by Scott Hefflon

I’ve reviewed these guys five times, well, interviewed them when they first came out, then reviewed ’em four more times since. Last was in 2002, so I think I skipped one or two of the more recent. They continue to make sweet ’90s punkpop/powerpop, and their “look, we’ve evolved!” song sounds Weezerish, which isn’t exactly growth, ya know? Another bone to pick is with the bio’s listing respected producer Lou Giordano and namedropping Taking Back Sunday and Plain White T’s, but not important bands like Screeching Weasel, Samiam, Lemondheads, and The Goo Goo Dolls (hey, they were a small, punky bands at the time). Machine 15 is a damn good record, and fans of the band should rejoice that Millencolin still has what it takes. They craft good songs, many of which sound dated, but some of which transcend style and can simply be heard as well-written songs, like Tom Petty and John Mellancamp. Timeless, catchy, and meaningful.
(www.epitaph.com)