Millencolin's second single from latest release 'Kingwood'
I'm devastated. If only I earned more money, then I wouldn't have missed Millencolin's headlining the Antidote tour last week with Flogging Molly and the Unseen. It didn't help when people came back with nothing but good words to say about the gig and in particular; Millencolin's set. I guess with Room Thirteen sending me the band's next single to review is some sort of consolation and a bit of tongue in cheek.
So Millencolin need no introduction, the veterans of skate punk have released single 'Shut You Out' in support of their 7th studio album 'Kingwood.' Personally, I feel this is one of their weaker offerings from their latest album and isn't that fantastic as a single song. The introduction has been done 100 times before in their material, 'Black Eye' and 'Penguins & Polar bears' being two I can remember off the top of my head. But unlike the mentioned songs, 'Shut You Out' doesn't have the energy or the originality you'd hope for from a band like Millencolin. Instead you're left with something that you'd find in a Shrek soundtrack. Of course Nikola has captured his emotions with perfections and even though it's not a very inspiring song, it leaves you feeling emotionally instable and lonely....but wait a minute I already feel like that
At least B-Side 'Ratboy's Masterplan' is lively upbeat and fucking punk! Despite it's ugly name. This track is a total contrast to it's counterpart and possibly one of my favourite tracks the band have released since Home From Home. Nikola ditches his sweet, clean voice for something a little gravely. A straight-up drumbeat and a chord sequence that makes Bad Religion's new material sound clean. Yes, the old more aggressive Millencolin are alive and well kids, buy this single and hear for yourself!