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The Suicide Machines

A Match and Some Gasoline (2003)
Side One Dummy Records

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Contributed by: Adam
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on June 17th 2003

After a few shaky years of break-up rumors, the loss of a key member and a string of poorly supported albums, the Suicide Machines revisit their glory days with "A Match and Some Gasoline." This is an album that amounts to a love letter to the band’s fans. Despite the political lyrics and screams of protest, these are tracks written to reflect playlist favorites that have devotees singing every word and dancing wildly in the crowd. To anyone who stuck by the band through the radio pop of "The Suicide Machines" and the barely promoted "Steal This Record," I can't imagine you not being absolutely enthralled by this return to form.

While many turned their back on the band's self-titled album, it (and its follow-up) displayed a lot of songwriting growth. The Detroit four piece has taken these strengths and applied them to the ska, punk and hardcore of this record. So while "A Match and Some Gasoline" may mirror the style and dynamics of 1998's "Battle Hymns," it’s songs are far stronger and better executed. This is especially obvious on the punk / hardcore tracks, which have grown in style to rival those of the band's contemporaries in The Explosion or The Bronx. On one hand the Suicide Machines bleed with the influence of the 80s hardcore scene with "Beat My Head Against The Wall" and "Invisible Government." Tracks of this cloth are coupled with very modern sounding anthems like the powerful "Your Silence." While not breaking much new ground with their return to 3rd wave ska, I doubt any longtime fan didn't fall instantly in love with "High Anxiety" and "Did You Ever Get A Feeling Of Dread?" Throwing further diversity into the album, the band toasts their hometown in the appropriately rock'n'roll sing-along "Seized Up." Even the acoustic hidden track shows a different facet of the band's sound.

I'm obviously very happy with this disc, so I’m being kinder than someone who isn’t an admitted fan. If there is any weakness here, it's that the album seems to run a bit short. On one hand it's quite finely tuned and free of unnecessary filler, but on the first few spins it seems to fly by. Song-wise there's lots of great material here, I could of course complain that "Politics of Humanity" sounds awfully similar to "The Killing Blow," but after such a strong showing it's an afterthought.

While they're technically retreading on territory they covered back in 1998, the band never sounds uninspired. Both the production and the enthusiasm shown here simply crackle with energy. Bands are typically loathe to go back to recording in their old style, but the Suicide Machines have seized the opportunity to write a ska / punk album with more skill and passion than we’ve seen in the past few years.

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nedsammy (August 23, 2011)

I felt this was a bit of a shaky return to ska and punk, and didn't mix genres like the first 2 albums they were trying to return to did. Maybe I should listen to it more. What I do know, however, is that Siezed Up is one of their best songs, and for me one of the best punk songs ever.

devianter (November 2, 2010)

Your silence... your silence.. your silence equals to DEATH.

ak3punk (April 24, 2008)

fucking awesome and underrated album. It was the start of there comeback...

ak3punk (April 24, 2008)

fucking awesome and underrated album. It was the start of there comeback...

someone-yeah (July 19, 2005)

Songs about skateboarding and spitting on cops.

Awesome

Anonymous (June 29, 2004)

That's good not goo - although I would like to see an album cover made of goo one day...

Joe

Anonymous (June 29, 2004)

A really goo album - short and sweet

Joe

rahn_puke (March 26, 2004)

truly amazing

aloha

Anonymous (March 4, 2004)

this album has been stuck in my cd player forever. every single track is great, very awesome bass lines and guitar riffs and well written lyrics, what more could someone ask for? although at the end after the acoustic track it just makes me want more and more and i find myself playing the cd over and over i will never get tired of it, i just can't wait for a new album. a fucking great cd by a fucking great band. anyone who thinks different, FUCK YOU!

Analog_Boy (August 12, 2003)

Ummm... so while we're at it...

1) Destruction By Definition
2) Battle Hymns
3) A Match and SOme Gasoline
4) Steal This Record
5) The Suicide Machines

My first sm alblum was dbd. I just been into the full lengths since then. Not to sure about these folks.
Skank For Brains
Green World / Essential Kevorkian

Anonymous (July 10, 2003)

i've never been a massive fan before despite liking some of their stuff but so far i'd say this was my album of the year.

Anonymous (June 22, 2003)

Listen to it like 10 times and by then you'll be hooked, the first time is like whatever but then you hear like the awesome parts. This album rocks...especially the ska-punk stuff. They should of put more of that ska. I love that song KALEIDOSCOPE. YOUR SILENCE IS GOOD TOO THOUGH IT ISNT SKA BUT WHATEVER.

Anonymous (June 22, 2003)

All i have to say is... nuclear warrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr HAH!

CallingLondon (June 20, 2003)

eh. it's alright. i kinda expected better from all the hype you people gave it. maybe it'll grow on me, but right now, it's not that great.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

hahahah!!!
fart.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

clublaga.com go to shows. its the pittsburgh local club. they have the bouncing souls show posted there, with strike anywhere opening. no clue where any other dates are

this album is good, but too short and kinda a rehash of battle hymns.

1.destruction by definition
2.battle hymns
3.steal this record, although i might put this second on another day
4.a match and some ass
5.any other album they will write someday
6.jay farting on a mic
7.me scratching my ballbag
8.s/t (excluding permanent holiday, which is amazing)

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

i have to mostly agree with the list below, except for 2 things. battle hymns switched w/ s/t and a match and some gasoline MIGHT be higher, i dont even have the cd yet, just listened to the streamed versions a couple times.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

very very very good album. though they have been my favorite band for 7 years now, i can only give it an 8. why do people hand out 10's so fucking easily. i have over 500 cds, and only about 3 are 10-worthy. anywhos, this album rocks, and though i like STR the best, its cool that some ska made it back.
best tracks: kaleidoscope, did you ever get a feeling of dread?, and the acoustic song.
best tsm albums:
1) Steal This Record
2) Destruction By Definition
3) A Match and SOme Gasoline
4) The Suicide Machines
5) Battle Hymns
6) Skank For Brains
7) Green World / Essential Kevorkian

evildeadalive (June 20, 2003)

Nick Traina committed suicide. He had manic depression. Pretty sad actually... Link 80 was a whole lot better with him, and Knowledge just ruled. I reccommend everyone and anyone check them out.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

Fuck i listened to this cd like 30 freaking times already and it rocks, i like how when you take the cd that contains a pic of the world out of the holder thing and there is a picture of an explosion. Crazy mad stuff. Anyways the ska stuff really rocks, i mean songs like "did you ever get the feeling of dread? " remind me of songs like "sos", "black and white world", "confused", and "sincerity" even though none sound alike. This cd is fucken great i give it a 100/10. I fucken agree with a lot of you, one of the best cds ever.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

With memorable lyrics like "I know we'll get by this time I know we'll get by everything is gonna be alright it's gonna be Ok"-Split the Time... Damn that song got to me since all my friends are leaving and it sucks, they're off to college. Well, anyways the ska stuff is real new and original here, it is not rehashed or anything. It is actually revamped and they stay with you for a long time. Like I went to this graduation and that little phrase from Split the Time and Kaleidoscope was in my head. Good job peoples, I love your music. Defenetly the best CD of this year. One of the best CD's in a long time.

hey_sailor (June 19, 2003)

Wow, I had no clue that Danielle Steel was Nick's mom...crazy. I'm definately heading out to pick up that book tomorrow, what kind of stuff does it cover?

TheOneTrueBill (June 19, 2003)

To the guy who compared "The Change" to 311, you're right. It does sound the same

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

Nick died of a herion OD I believe

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

The former lead singer of Link80, Nick Traina, died several years ago actually. His mother, romance author Danielle Steele, wrote a book about him entitled "His Bright Light - The Nick Traina Story" which is really good. He started another band, Knowledge, and he posthumuously released their only recordings "A Gift Before I Go" on Asian Man Records.

hubitcherkokov

Oh yeah, this record is really awesome.

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

only heard a few songs, all of them good-does anyone know how the former lead isnger of link 80 died?

thriceequalsgod (June 19, 2003)

amazing... im going with this for my album of the year. so far it definetely is.

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

I think the best thing about this cd is the fact that there is a song on there to please almost anyone. Punk, ska, hardcore, singalongs, fuckin acoustic, it just ends way too quickly. I'm happy they're back to form, and can't wait for Warped b/c of them. This is a classic, dbd will not be touched, though.
PS - Did anyone find it weird to hear picked basslines? It changed the sound I'm used to.
Oh, Bouncing Souls and Strike Anywhere played together in March in Buffalo... suckers. Great fuckin show

NOFXPunkLTJ22 (June 18, 2003)

Hahaha very funny "inagreendase" Actually Dan isnt that good at guitar, he is good for ska, he does some cool riffs too. The suicide machines are so great though. Def. one of the best bands ever.

Fuzzy (June 18, 2003)

Let's hear it for SideOneDummy! What the hell do they do, go into the studio and say "Hey guys, I bet your fans would like to hear X Y and Z. So why don't you take all your new songwriting prowess and apply it to that?" Worked on the Bosstones, worked on Suicide Machines. I love the ska on here. Alot. I like everything I've heard so far. MMMMM.

hey_sailor (June 18, 2003)

where are you getting those dates?

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

yes that tour is verified. its coming to pittsburgh in september. word. souls,strike anywhere

as for the album, it is solid. better than the s/t album. its basically battle hymns part two. half ska punk, half hardocore. its really short though, like 20 minutes. great for old school fans, not so great if u are new to the band. go buy destruction by definition if u have no SM records.

hey_sailor (June 18, 2003)

That would be one hell of a show...

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

just to let you know, its rumored that the Souls and Strike Anywhere are gonna hit the road together for their 2 new albumns in the fall. i forget where i saw it, i think it was epitaph, but they took it down the next day so i dont know. but im hoping it comes true. i remember the closest date to NJ was DC in early to mid november but it was a full tour. lets hope and pray.

TheOneTrueBill (June 18, 2003)

they thanked Very Metal. Oh, how i laughed when i saw that

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

I really agree with the person a few below, this is a great record but it seems to be almost too forced to going back to old material.

The new Bouncing Souls will be probably be my favorite of the year, its really a breathtaking album. I can't wait to buy it for Brian's amazing artwork. Also, the rough mixes I've heard from "Exit English" are gonna make that album a competitor for the top slot as well.

-sickboi

hey_sailor (June 18, 2003)

Actually I'm thinking Strike Anywhere will end up blowing everything out of the water...I'm not expecting much from Thrice or Thursday, but who knows maybe they will prove me wrong.

inagreendase (June 18, 2003)

"This CD is amazing, though i still like battle hymns more, with no question its their 2nd best CD."

but does it have good leads?

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

It's this vs. Brand New for album of the year.

Unless Thrice or Thursday REALLY shocks the hell out of me. Having heard a lot of Thrice's stuff...I don't think they'll touch this.

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

I thought the album was pretty good, but i think their songwriting ability has gone downhill after they tried to go back to destruction/battle hymns/please steal with this record. It's a good cd, but it's rough for them because their first two albums were their catchiest and most melodic and trying to live up to those albums just isn't quite working. My advice: buy the cd, enjoy it, but just prey that they get new inspiration for their next one.

NOFXPunkLTJ22 (June 18, 2003)

This CD is amazing, though i still like battle hymns more, with no question its their 2nd best CD.

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

This cd is fucking great, if you have doubts or just think its not ur style just listen to a few songs.

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

CAN'T SPELL.......TO EARLY......-OLDPUNKER-

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

Now that i have fully gotten through a few listens... I have to say that as of this point this is the record of the year so far-olpunker- damn these guys are good!!

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

I love the hardcore songs, every one of them....but i cant really get into the ska. It sounds like two different bands. But a bunch of great hardcore songs are good enough for me.

TheOneTrueBill (June 18, 2003)

i love it. i truly do

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

I found another review of the cd here.

the reviewer seemed to like it as well.

http://standupjack.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=show content&id=415

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

i love all the hardcore anonymous posters.

-greyicewater

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

destruction by definition is their best album period.

inagreendase (June 17, 2003)

"Tough, Steal this Record is one of my favorite CDS of all time. "

i'm going to be one of very, very few people and agree with you. its 2nd on my list

Shindo (June 17, 2003)

What are we "buying into" exactly? A band we like and have followed for the past 7 or so years released an album we enjoy. Heaven fucking forbid.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

THIS IS THE LATEST TREND YOU FUCKING RETARDS!
SM sucked in the early 90's and they still suck! Mostly though you all suck for buying into this shit!

hey_sailor (June 17, 2003)

Nah, I meant blind (if he can read the comments everyone else has posted)

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

oh yeah, and i think you meant deaf sailorman.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

half a star, are you that ignorant?! get your head out of your ass.

hey_sailor (June 17, 2003)

On another note, anyone have any news on that Propagandhi cover album?

hey_sailor (June 17, 2003)

Obviously a lot of people are listening to this and loving it...I guess you are either blind or REALLY fucking retarded to have not come to that conclusion by yourself. Go back to listening to whatever the latest trend is. Jackass.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

No really somebody answer me! Do people really still listen to this shit? There are this many kids out there that dig the whole angry ska thing? wow....

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

What the hell is everyone talking about. This not just sounds like DxD and Battle Hymns it also sounds a lot like the S/t and Steal this record. To me it seems like a blend of all their albums and "The Change" reminds me of the stuff before DxD, you know their underground stuff. I totally give props to this band and I liked all their albums, but seriously this is like a clash of a 4 of their previous records but mostly Steal this Record with everything else. Tough, Steal this Record is one of my favorite CDS of all time. My Top 3 songs of this cd are
1.Kaleidoscope
2.Your Silence
3. Did you Ever get the Feeling of Dread?

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

haha what the hell are you gonna do with four copies?

anyway, i am one of the few people that didnt have many gripes with either of the two albums of the "ice age" i guess you could say. self-titled was a buncha good pop songs even though the song about his dog was kinda dumb, and i honestly thought steal this record was their best album. i have yet to really listen to this, but from what i've streamed its fucking great, just a little far from perfect because its so goddamn short. minus the acoustic song, 23 minutes is like a long ep. they could've gone even more battle hymns style and put a few more songs just so it would hit half an hour. i think the machines are good enough where they could've pulled this off without filler easy. if they were still on hollywood, you kno that the label for sure would've automatically forced them into doing either longer or more songs and in this case we would get filler. so maybe the sideonedummy 23-minute cd over the major label album is worth it..?

inagreendase

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Ok. I streamed it days ago..."Your Silence" was brutal - best song hands down...and "Beat My Head Against the Wall" was up there too...guess I'd have to hear it again, but I still think Battle Hymns was the ultimate.
-Janelle

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

does anyone else agree that "the change" sounds like it came straight off of DBD? this might have been mentioned already.

-greyicewater

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

I bought 4 copies just because it's that good! No joke!

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

this fucking rocks, can't wait to hear the next album!

TahoeJeff (June 17, 2003)

I give the suicide machines a standing ovation on this album. Not many bands can change thier sound and suddenly return to the old sound like this. They pulled out a Bad relgion here and put out a kick ass record.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

im getting sick and tired of the rise against plugs... do not put them in the same category with suicide machines... rise against is very very overrated.. tim's voice does not compare to jay's... like comparing usa to the great canada.

_911 (June 17, 2003)

this album is fucking amazing.. i'm so glad they are back to making the best music they can make..

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

While the new ska songs are pretty one-dimentional (except for the bridge) compared to the all over the place ska of DxD and fast paced tempo-changing pounding ska of Battle Hymns, the hardcore songs fucking rip your face off!! Awesome, awesome shit. If it werent for Split The Time, Politics of Humanity (yes it does sound like the Killing Blow, one of their worst songs), and welcome but rather "ho-hum" ska songs, this album would be an absolute classic.

Damn those were long sentances. best songs
1. Your Silence
2. Burning In The Aftermath
3. Keep It A Crime

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Keep It A Crime and Beat My Head are classics.....pure classics.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

this cd is really good.the ska songs are good,but not as good as their previous ska material (DBD stuff), but the hardcore songs are so amazing.yyou all need to see this band live.the new songs in concert are so so good. especially "your silence"

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

people still listen to this shit?

TheOneTrueBill (June 17, 2003)

I'm on my way out to get this, and the new Unseen album. CAn't wait

krowdsurf (June 17, 2003)

While I appreciated their last two albums, if this came out as a follow up to Battle Hymns The Suicide Machines would have an absolutely flawless catalog. As it is though, I'm glad this is their latest release because I needed to hear that songs like this can still be written now that "ska is dead." Fucking awesome record.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

i doubt the descendents album will be out this year, best bet is 1st quarter next year.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

GREAT ALBUM, GREAT REVIEW! the only thing i disagree with in the review is the comment about the ska songs. I've been a suicide machines fan since "destruction..." (like most people here) and i love them. there's not a single song that i do not like on this album. this band needs to stay together for years more because they show no sign of slowing down musically or in their live show. ALBUM OF THE YEAR RIGHT HERE.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

good review..

this album is fucking AMAZING. The lyrics seem very personal and the songs are extremely catchy. I've listened to this album over and over since I recieved my copy and it has yet to get old. Deffinately ranks up with Destruction by Definition and Battle Hymns easily. Easily one of the top 5 releases of this year.

Can't wait to see them supporting this album on tour :D

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Hahahahahaahaha-oldpunker- always someone

fraserhart (June 17, 2003)

very good cd. does anyone know when the social d is coming out?

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

A lot of great stuff coming out this year... Gr, rise against, living end, old punker... Great year. -old wanker

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

kick ass record. go pick it up.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

the begining of the change kinda sounds like that 311 song prisoner. this is a great record.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Alot of great stuff coming out this year,suicide machines return to form,rise against,gr, living end, social d,strike anywhere,tiger army.... Great year-oldpunker-

8dollarclarinetsolo (June 17, 2003)

ive listened to this a couple times on sideonedummy.com and i really like it, but it just kinda falls short of being a really great cd. but the ska ones sure are fun

the descendents cd probably wont even be out this year. its all mixing that needs to be done its been recorded for quite some time

ZLNFTOC (June 17, 2003)

As a side note, does anyone have any idea when the new Descendents album is coming out? I know they're working on new material and the record will drop this year but wondering how soon.

tenderbransonx (June 17, 2003)

Just a great fucking album. I love when they get political. And fun too.
The song in the seized up should strike a chord to anyone up north who grew up in a factory town. Them and Face to Face are the only reasons I'm looking foward to Warp Tour.
Steven
www.murdertheturtle.com

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

i am definetly gonna get this album.

~Zäk

hey_sailor (June 17, 2003)

I'm going to chime in with the choir, but so far this is my favorite album of the year. Of course that will probably change with Descendents and Social D, if those two can find their way out. Nice review.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

i couldnt get into this. i liked steal this record, but I would rather they go back to ostracising there fans every album and keep it interesting.

wyzo

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

what a great cd. Its up there with the great RedLine! But one thing that The Suicide Machines dont have is C-Dubs. Man that kid is punk rock!

ZLNFTOC (June 17, 2003)

Cool review. Nice to see the Machines bounce back after a few sub-par releases.

ramo (June 17, 2003)

Like I said, it's no Destrustion By Definition or Battle Hyms. A Match...is in a catorgory of its own and the succesor to BH. Your Silence just screams Rise Against mixed in with the Battle Hyms-era. High Anxiety takes me back to DBD. Burning In The Aftermath is one scorching song that makes you chant: "NUCLEAR FAMILY, NUCLEAR WAR." My point: get this album as it will be in my top 10 at the end of the 0 to the 3.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Kaleidoscope is the best song in the album. One of the best songs ever.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Best overall album of the year. Period.

evildeadalive (June 17, 2003)

Oooohh, I can't wait to pick this up.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

Damn this band kicks ass...