Bombshell Rocks for the bleeding hearts, Millencolin is Sweden's answer to Cal. State's homogenized Punk Rock harmonizers.

"Home From Home's" their fifth release over a decade long spread that's seen them evolve from their unilateral Punk roots into a sweaty, swarthy Rock and Roll machine that pumps out anthem upon anthem of light-hearted self-examination and swagger of self-confidence.

Bad Religion's influence prevails from the word "go," or "Yeah Yeah" as the case may be, and such is made in contradictory-like Pop fashion for their "Man Or Mouse" opener, and "Montego," a steady rolling lowly-tuned pummel, metallic by nature, fist-pumping by mid-break; "Punk Rock Rebel's" Ska flavor marks an early deviance and further evidence of forward progress-Tiger Army fans take notice.

"Kemp" re-enters big M's own "Montego" style a few songs ago, while "Botanic Mistress" is a Greenday throwaway, followed quickly by the top tier effectiveness of the brattiness and bombast of "Happiness For Dogs," strong on verse and with a voracious bite.

Millencolin indeed takes their cue from the best Epitaph's had to offer over the years, big on ascending verses, strong
vocs and choral clutching and grabbing. Fast forward by the bland "Battery Check," rejoice or renounce in the Power Pop charm of "Fuel To The Flame," and tweak the volume clockwise for "Afghan," which takes a turn for the serious and returns to the heavy Rock style befitting its powerful anti-war message.

"Home From Home," is a jittery, jumpy, mid-paced melody-induced move into listener friendly Rock Star ambitions with equal parts power, pride, and progression.

Epitaph Records: http://www.epitaph.com/

Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]
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METAL STORM PRODUCTIONS
Vinnie Apicella

P.O. Box 20252
New York, NY 10025
212-865-2848 / c:845-729-9977