Millencolin – SOS
Millencolin’s first release in four years sees the Swedish punks tackle the chaos of modern life with a driving dose of nostalgic 90s skate-punk
Back in 2015, Millencolin released their 'comeback' album True Brew after a seven-year absence – it was a record that saw the group return to the faster-paced punk which gained plaudits back in the 90s. After another four years without much new noise from the Swedish outfit, they’re back with their ninth record SOS, continuing the trend of their punk rejuvenation.
Single and album opener SOS is the perfect introduction to the record, establishing their hallmark ripping guitars, powerful melodies and a great chorus – it has Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater written all over it. In fact, the best part of the record follows their trademark skate-punk vibe, harking back to the sound they got so right on classic records like 2000's Pennybridge Pioneers and 1995's Life on a Plate.
Tracks like Nothing, the relentless Sour Days and the punchy Reach You offer a direct, driving raucous racket in true Millencolin fashion, while the lyricism reflects on the threats and state of everyday modern life, and staying positive through the bullshit. They even try and keep it current on Yanny & Laurel, named after the great Twitter debate of 2018, with the chorus cheekily deploying techno-tuned vocals in homage to the divisive audio clip.
The four-piece have been together since 1992, and 27 years later, they’re still shredding riffs like they haven’t aged a day. SOS is another reminder that Millencolin can still produce potent punk-rock – grab your skateboard and stick this in your headphones, Millencolin haven’t disappointed (yet again).
Listen To: SOS, Sour Days, Dramatic Planet